CAF launches AFCON 2023 official ball
By Joel Sang, October 24, 2023The official match ball for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be held in Ivory Coast in 2023 has been unveiled by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The ball was produced by Puma, which has a long-term agreement with CAF, and it was made public on the eve of the AFCON final draw in Abidjan.
“The ball’s official unveiling is yet another milestone in the countdown to the official kick-off on January 13, 2024.
Laurent Pokou honoured
The match ball has been named after Laurent Pokou, who is an Ivorian football legend. Pokou’s five goals in the 6-1 victory over Ethiopia at the 1970 edition of AFCON remain a record during the final competition, according to CAF.
He made his debut against Ghana in a friendly in 1967, going on to become the top scorer in the 1968 and 1970 Africa Cup of Nations. His 14 goals in the Africa Cup of Nations were, for a long time, a tournament record until 2008, when Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o eclipsed that feat.
He also played for the ASEC Mimosas, the Ivorian giants, and had stints with Stade Rennes and Nancy in France before he died on November 13, 2016, at the age of 69.
“Pokou is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of Ivorian football. It is in recognition of his contribution to football in the West African country that one of the match venues for the Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 in San Pedro is christened Laurent Pokou Stadium,” CAF said.
Erwan, Pokou’s son, presented the iconic and beautifully designed match ball to the audience during the final draw.
“The official ball, Pokou, features the three main colours of the Ivory Coast flag – white, orange, and green, whilst incorporating the latest technology that will revolutionize the game on the continent and beyond,” CAF added.
Acknowledgement
Erwan acknowledged how important the naming of the AFCON ball is to their family.
“This is an emotional moment for my family. It is a great honour bestowed on my late father, who gave his life to Ivorian football, to have the official match ball for a tournament taking place in no other place than Cote d’Ivoire named after him.
“The family appreciates the efforts by CAF and the Local Organising Committee (COCAN) to celebrate heroes and heroines to motivate and inspire future generations to follow in their exemplary steps,” Erwan said.
AFCON’s 34th edition will take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024, in the cities of Abidjan, Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro, and Yamoussoukro.