The Confederations of African Football (CAF) has unveiled official match balls for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023.
The official match ball, named POKOU, is named after Ivorian legendary forward Laurent Pokou, a doyen of African football whose five goals in the 6-1 victory over Ethiopia at the 1970 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations remain a record during the final competition.
The Nations Cup will officially kick-off on 13 January 2024.
Erwan, a son of the late Pokou, 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 Cote d’Ivoire flag – white, orange and green, whilst incorporating the latest technology that will revolutionize the game on the continent and beyond.
“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.
The tournament will take place from 13 January to 11 February 2024 in the cities of Abidjan, Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro and Yamoussoukro.
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