The 2012 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations kicked off in Bata, Equatorial Guinea on January 21, 2012.
Cameroon’s Prime Minister, Head of Government, Philemon Yang on Saturday, January 21, 2012 represented the Head of State, President Paul Biya at the opening ceremony of the 28th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Bata, Equatorial Guinea.
Prime Minister Yang joined Heads of State of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) such as Ali Bongo of Gabon, Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo, the host President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, among other leaders at the opening ceremony of the 2012 African football jamboree. The presence of President Paul Biya’s representative in Bata translates Cameroon’s policy of good neighbourliness and efforts to accelerate the integration of the CEMAC zone. The 28th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations is co-hosted by Cameroon’s southern neighbours, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. From every indication, the event comes to project the image of the CEMAC zone, leaders of the area have been longing to sell to the entire world and the presence of most of the leaders is a mark of commitment.
President Paul Biya’s representative, Prime Minister Yang and other leaders of the CEMAC zone enjoyed the spectacular and colourful choreographic display of human and natural endowments of Equatorial Guinea, showcased through traditional dances, popular music, the equatorial rainforest and the sea. This was the prelude to the opening match that pitted the Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea against the National Football team of Libya. At full time, Equatorial Guinea’s national team emerged victories beating their opponents by one goal. The second Group A match still in Bata, Equatorial Guinea pitted the Zambian National Football team against that of Senegal. The Zambian team emerged victorious with two goals against one for Senegal.
