The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Monday unveiled the official match ball for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The official match ball, POKOU, is named after Ivorian legendary forward Laurent Pokou, a doyen of African football.
Following the long-term agreement between CAF and Puma announced on the eve of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final draw in Abidjan, the ball’s official unveiling is yet another milestone in the countdown to the kick-off of the competition.
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The official ball, POKOU, features the three main colors of the Cote d’Ivoire flag – white, orange, and green, whilst incorporating the latest technology that will revolutionize the game on the continent and beyond.
Nicknamed L’homme d’Asmara, 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 2023 AFCON in San Pedro is christened Laurent Pokou Stadium.
His 14 goals in the Africa Cup of Nations was for a long time a tournament record till 2008, when Samuel Eto’o of Cameroon eclipsed that feat.
The 2023 AFCON will run from January 13 to February 11, 2024, in the cities of Abidjan, Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro, and Yamoussoukro.
Hosts Cote d’Ivoire will take on the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau in the opening fixture at the Alhassan Quattara Stadium, Ebimpe on January 13.
