The African continent's focus shifts to Ivory Coast as it hosts 'Africa today' with the prestigious African football tournament, AFCON 2023. The event has sparked a festive atmosphere in Abidjan, with the local population demonstrating a 'hat-trick' of friendliness, warmth, and passion for the sport, observed by BBC's Ameer Ahmed. The tournament's kickoff was met with great anticipation, and the hosts have already made a memorable mark with impressive saves and celebrations that encapsulate the spirit of the competition.
Come for the goal, stay for the celebrations! Hosts Ivory Coast got #AFCON2023 up and running in fine fashion. 🕺 #BBCFootball https://t.co/8ULDnQDrqJ
Enjoying the game? #AFCON2023
Everyone is in the AFCON mood! 🕺 https://t.co/N3IAjJqwuk
What a save! #AFCON2023
⚽⚽ Anticipation fills the air as #Afcon2023 kicks off in Ivory Coast. Our man in Abidjan, Ameer Ahmed, witnesses locals scoring a hat-trick before the competition even begins for 🎩 friendliness, 🎩 warmth & 🎩 passion. Which country will you be rooting for? https://t.co/txNgT5UUpN
"We are happy we can host Africa today." As Africa’s top football spectacle begins, continental attention turns to Ivory Coast for whom #AFCON2023 means much more https://t.co/Y6lNu12Z8D https://t.co/Lueb0TUjok