Equatorial Guinea to Distribute Free Tickets to Boost Attendance at 2015 AFCON
With just days remaining before the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off, Equatorial Guinea is intensifying its efforts to ensure packed stadiums across the four host cities: Malabo, Bata, Mongomo, and Ebebiyin.
In a televised address on Monday, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema announced a bold move to help fill the stands and give the tournament the atmosphere it deserves.
“We must give a solemn character to this CAN event, so we must buy tickets to fill the stadiums,” said the Head of State. “Let those who have the means help the poor! I myself am buying 40,000 tickets, at a rate of 10,000 per region.”
The tickets, priced at just 500 FCFA (approximately €0.75), amount to a personal donation of 20 million FCFA (about €30,000) from the President, intended specifically for distribution among the less fortunate.
This follows the official reduction in stadium entry prices, aimed at making matches more accessible to the general public. Authorities have also ordered that civil servants finish work two hours early on matchdays to encourage attendance.
However, logistical challenges remain. Due to falling oil prices, Equatorial Guinea announced it could not fund the transportation of participating teams, prompting Gabon to step in and provide buses for the teams’ travel needs.
With these measures, Equatorial Guinea hopes to turn the 2015 AFCON into a national celebration, despite the time constraints and financial hurdles after stepping in as host at the last minute.
