Equatorial Guinea Ready to Host 2015 Africa Cup of Nations with Security and Access Measures in Place
Malabo, Equatorial Guinea — Equatorial Guinea has officially announced its readiness to host the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo confirming that stadiums across the country are fully prepared for the tournament.
Speaking at a high-level meeting with officials from key government institutions, President Obiang Nguema, accompanied by First Lady Constancia Mangue de Obiang, assured that all venues are equipped and security protocols are firmly established to safeguard participants and fans. In particular, authorities have implemented stringent measures aimed at preventing any potential spread of the Ebola virus during the competition.
In an unprecedented move to encourage public attendance and national enthusiasm, the President announced a personal commitment to purchase 40,000 match tickets, distributing 10,000 per each of the country’s four host regions. This initiative aims to ensure stadiums are filled with passionate local supporters throughout the tournament.
Ticket prices have been set to encourage broad access. In the cities of Ebebiyin and Mongomo, tickets will be available at 500 CFA francs (approximately 0.75 euros), while in the larger cities of Malabo and Bata, they will cost 1,000 CFA francs (around 1.50 euros). The President urged citizens to support the event by purchasing tickets and encouraged those with greater means to help those less able to afford them.
“We must give a solemn character to this CAN event; we must buy tickets to fill the stadiums,” President Obiang Nguema said, speaking to the guineaecuatorialpress website. “Those who have more resources must help those who do not. I myself will buy 40,000 tickets, 10,000 tickets per region. These are tickets at 500 CFA francs; that is to say 20 million CFA francs (30,000 euros).”
Equatorial Guinea, which took over hosting duties after Morocco’s withdrawal due to Ebola concerns, has been working intensively to prepare for the tournament since the announcement. The country will host all matches in four cities, showcasing new and renovated stadiums to football fans across the continent.
The 2015 Africa Cup of Nations is set to kick off soon, with expectations high for a successful and safe event in a country eager to demonstrate its organisational capabilities on the continental stage.
