Spectacular Start to the 2015 AFCON with Colorful Opening Ceremony in Bata
The 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is officially underway, and the 30th edition kicked off in grand fashion with a vibrant opening ceremony in Bata, Equatorial Guinea. Spectators were treated to a colorful display of traditional folkloric dances and choreographed performances that celebrated the continent’s rich cultural heritage.
Equatorial Guinea was named host just two months before the tournament began, stepping in after Morocco withdrew over Ebola concerns. Despite the short preparation time, the opening festivities were executed with style and enthusiasm.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Equatorial Guinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema and CAF President Issa Hayatou, both of whom watched from the stands as the tournament officially began.
Notably, the Bata Stadium was not at full capacity during the ceremony, even though 10,000 free tickets had been distributed by the government in an effort to fill the stands.
The much-anticipated opening match between Equatorial Guinea and Congo was scheduled to begin immediately after the ceremony at 4:00 PM GMT.
