# Charles Konan Banny Stadium

Charles Konan Banny Stadium (French: Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro) is a football stadium in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast that was inaugurated on 3 June 2022. This was the fourth among the six stadiums for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. It was designed by an association formed of Alcor, Sogea-Satom, Egis and Baudin Chateauneuf.

## History

On 19 October 2018, the stadium was broke ground by Ivorian Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly. In anticipation of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, But On 30 November 2018, CAF stripped Cameroon of hosting the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations because of delays in the construction of stadiums and other necessary infrastructure; it was relocated to Egypt. CAF President at the time, Ahmad Ahmad, said that Cameroon had agreed to host the 2021 tournament instead. Consequently, Ivory Coast, original hosts of 2021, will host the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. On 30 January 2019, the CAF President confirmed the timetable shift, after a meeting with Ivory Coast President, Alassane Ouattara, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Which gave the government more time to improve and test the state of the stadium, On 11 June 2021, the Stadium was handed over to the Yamoussoukro Municipality and will host Ligue 1 games. like SO de l'Armée team who plays its matches on this stadium The stadium is expected to host many matches of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations next to other five stadiums are all appointed to host this competition.

### Construction

SCAU, in partnership with Sogea Satom, Alcor, Baudin Chateauneuf, and Egis, was delighted to take on the design and construction for the Charles Konan Banny Stadium. Situated on the eastern flank of the city, SCAU adopted a unique approach in crafting a stadium that seamlessly marries monumentality and minimalism. This duality serves a dual purpose: first, to project a powerful image of Ivory Coast that transcends borders, and second, to ensure the construction of a cost-effective, enduring facility. The Ivory Coast has grappled with the issue of inadequate stadium maintenance, making longevity and budget-friendliness paramount concerns.
The western stand serves as the nucleus of the stadium's amenities, while the remaining three stands are thoughtfully nestled into the natural slope of the site, reducing the need for excessive structural maintenance. This design also enhances the thrill of arriving at a match, as spectators ascend to the highest point of the stands, commanding a panoramic view of the entire stadium before descending to their seats, drawing closer to the pitch. A sweeping roof gracefully spans all stands, adapting its height to accommodate the spaces beneath while drawing attention towards the vibrant action on the field. Floodlight lamps are ingeniously affixed to the roof in the west, while two independent masts grace the eastern side. Thoughtfully positioned catering facilities and restrooms dot the public concourse, evoking an elegant, scattered arrangement. As is customary with SCAU's stadium designs, meticulous consideration was given to the stadium's post-event life. Recognizing that a stadium's heritage is pivotal to its sustainability and upkeep, SCAU collaborated with local sports and educational organizations to envision how these spaces might be utilized on a daily basis, long after the conclusion of the African Cup. Despite the spread COVID-19 pandemic in Africa, efforts were made to continue the construction of the stadium. The construction was completed in summer 2021.

### Handover and opening

The inauguration was supposed to be held in September 2021. However the Confederation of African Football found some shortcomings about the stadium, mainly in terms of security, and the matches involving the Ivory Coast national football team had to be moved elsewhere. The stadium was inaugurated on 3 June 2022, during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification and the match between Ivory Coast and Zambia. Ivory Coast won 3–1. the Stadium was named after the processor of President Alassane Ouattara former president Charles Konan Banny who served as prime minister from 7 December 2005 until 4 April 2007, who died from COVID-19, during the COVID-19 pandemic in France, following his evacuation from the Ivory Coast. He was 78.

### 2023 Africa Cup of Nations

The stadium was one of the venues for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The following matches were played at the stadium:
| Date | Time (GMT) | Team #1 | Result | Team #2 | Round | Spectators |
| 15 January 2024 | 14:00 | Senegal | 3–0 | Gambia | Group C | 7,896 |
| 15 January 2024 | 17:00 | Cameroon | 1–1 | Guinea | Group C | 11,271 |
| 19 January 2024 | 17:00 | Senegal | 3–1 | Cameroon | Group C | 19,176 |
| 19 January 2024 | 20:00 | Guinea | 1–0 | Gambia | Group C | 19,822 |
| 23 January 2024 | 17:00 | Guinea | 0–2 | Senegal | Group C | 15,753 |
| 23 January 2024 | 20:00 | Angola | 2–0 | Burkina Faso | Group D | 15,753 |
| 29 January 2024 | 20:00 | Senegal | 1–1 (a.e.t.) (4–5 p) | Ivory Coast | Round of 16 | 19,948 |
| 3 February 2024 | 20:00 | Cape Verde | 0–0 (a.e.t.) (1–2 p) | South Africa | Quarter-finals | 12,162 |