In an explosion of passion for both football and national pride, Abidjan is seeing an exciting transformation.
The anticipation is evident as the 2023 Afcon fever takes hold, turning Cote d’Ivoire's capital into a pulsating epicenter of celebration.
The streets, once echoing with everyday life, are now alive with the vibrant symphony of fans pouring in from all corners of Africa, converging for the continent's grandest football spectacle set to ignite on Saturday night.
Abidjan has donned a festive cloak, overflowing in a sea of colors and resounding with the jubilant vibration of excitement and the unmistakable sound of vuvuzelas.
The 2023 Afcon has unleashed an unprecedented wave of enthusiasm, with fans proudly draped in their national colors turning every corner into a scene of unity and passion.
This football frenzy extends beyond borders, with buses packed to the brim arriving from neighboring nations such as Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Senegal, Mauritania, and Nigeria.
As the tournament's kickoff approaches, the excitement is not confined to the bustling streets alone. The airport, a gateway to this football extravaganza, buzzes with activity as fans and media descend upon Abidjan from every corner of Africa and beyond.
"The atmosphere here is amazing already," said Morocco fan Hassan El Bakkali told CafOnline.com in Abidjan on Saturday morning.
An Ivorian fan Yves Bedie said: "Everyone is excited for the football to start. You can feel the AFCON fever building in the city."
Vendors are capitalising on the football frenzy by selling team jerseys, caps, scarves and paraphernalia on street corners.
Roads are jammed with honking cars and motorbikes festooned with flags as national pride sweeps through Abidjan.
Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Ghana Morocco and Mali colours are proving particularly popular given the heavy expectations on the hosts and reigning champions.
But shirts from Nigeria, Cameroon and North African nations like Egypt are also selling fast.
When the Elephants take on Guinea-Bissau at the Stade Olympique d'Ebimpé on Saturday night, a carnival atmosphere will engulf the stadium.
Ivorians are confident their array of Europe-based stars like Sebastian Haller, Simon Adingra and Franck Kessie can deliver glory on home soil.
An electric opening ceremony will further crank up the voltage inside the packed 60,000-seater arena in Abidjan.
But the AFCON passion is not confined to the Ivorian capital, with millions across Africa eagerly counting down to kick-off.
From fan parks in Senegal to crowded bars in Morocco, an entire continent is holding its breath in anticipation.
The next month will be enthralling ride for Africans as 24 finalists battle for continental supremacy.
But this weekend, all eyes are on Abidjan as Cote d’Ivoire prepares to host the world's most thrilling sporting spectacle.