Ivory Coast to Face Gabon in Friendly as AFCON 2017 Qualifiers Begin
Ivory Coast’s national team, the Elephants, are set to begin their qualification campaign for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations on June 14. Their opening match will be against Gabon—the tournament’s host nation—but it will not count towards the group standings.
The fixture, to be played in the central Ivorian city of Bouaké, will take place at the historic Stade de la Paix, which is currently undergoing renovation work. Authorities have confirmed that the stadium upgrades must be completed in time for the match, which marks the Elephants’ return to the venue after several years.
Despite being in the same qualifying group, the match against Gabon is considered a friendly due to CAF regulations stating that results against the host nation in qualifying are not counted. Gabon is in Group I by default to ensure they play competitive fixtures ahead of the tournament but, as hosts, they qualify automatically.
Ivory Coast’s official qualification campaign will therefore be contested against Sudan and Sierra Leone, the other teams in Group I. As defending African champions, the Elephants will look to make a strong start as they aim to defend the title they won in Equatorial Guinea.
The match in Bouaké also holds symbolic importance, as the Stade de la Paix—once a key venue in Ivorian football—has been largely unused in recent years. Its renovation signals a renewed investment in regional sporting infrastructure and a gesture of national unity through sport.
