Fifa President expects “fantastic tournament” after attending CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2023 opener

Gianni Infantino sees hosts Ivory Coast kick off the competition against Guinea. Match “set the tone for a fantastic tournament,” said the Fifa President.

Thanked nation for “uniting Africa and the whole world” around the tournament.

Mr Infantino was at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in the capital Abidjan alongside the Ivorian President whom the venue is named after, Confederation of African Football (CAF) President and Fifa Vice President Patrice Motsepe, and a host of dignitaries as well as a large, passionate crowd as the Elephants made a winning start to the tournament. “The opening game of the historic CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2023 between Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau has set the tone for a fantastic tournament that will unite the whole of Africa and indeed the world,” said Mr Infantino.

Le Président de la CAF, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, et le Président de la FIFA, Gianni Infantino, sont arrivés au Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara pour la cérémonie d'ouverture de la CAN CAF TotalEnergies 2023. pic.twitter.com/A9SXmDoTv3 — CAF Media (@CAF_Media) January 13, 2024

“It was great to see Alassane Ouattara, the President of the Ivory Coast, attend the opening match of what is sure to be a wonderful tournament in this great country. My best wishes are with CAF, led by President Patrice Motsepe; with all the participating nations; and with the people of Africa. I am sure everyone will come together to put on a show the world will remember.” Mr Infantino has been a strong advocate of football development in Africa, and attended matches of the recent African Football League. The project, which was launched last year by CAF with the support of Fifa, is aimed at raising the profile of African clubs, and giving players the