Ivory Coast is set to host the eighth edition of the African Military Football Cup from December 3 to 12. Twelve military selections, including Angola, Cameroon (reigning champion), Egypt, Gambia, Guinea, Kenya, Mali, Uganda, Zambia, Algeria (reigning world champion), and the host nation Ivory Coast, will compete for the prestigious Blaise Compaoré trophy in the capital city, Abidjan.
The organizing committee aims to use this event as a platform “to restore the brand image of Côte d’Ivoire in the concert of nations and particularly in the military world and to contribute to the rapprochement and brotherhood of the brothers of weapons of OSMA member countries, among others,” as stated by Colonel Gervais Djié Déhé, the secretary-general of the committee.
The tournament will feature matches at various stadiums, including those of civilian companies, the 1st infantry battalion, the National Police School, the National Gendarmerie School, and Conterre. The opening and closing ceremonies will be held at the Félix Houphouet Boigny stadium and the Robert Champroux stadium in Marcory.
The twelve participating teams will be divided into four groups of three, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarter-finals. The semi-finalists in this competition will qualify for the Military Football World Cup scheduled to take place in 2013 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The tournament not only promises thrilling football but also aims to foster camaraderie and promote the positive image of Ivory Coast on the international stage.
