20.01.2015
An important part of an event of such magnitude as the Africa Cup of Nations is its organisation, particularly the infrastructure necessary for its successful development. This infrastructure is one of the reasons Equatorial Guinea stood up to host the event after having done so jointly with Gabon in 2012, already having previous organisational experience.
Due to their renovations in 2012, the stadiums in Bata and Malabo hold capacities of more than 35,000 and 15,250 fans, respectively. This thus places them as the principal stadiums for the country’s most important events, such as the opening and closing matches of the tournament’s Semi-finals and Finals.
The other two stadiums being utilised during the AFCON group rounds are Mongomo and Ebebiyin. Mongomo Stadium was opened in 2011, holding a capacity of 15,000 fans, making it yet another ideal candidate for such major sporting events. Finally, Ebebiyin Stadium has a smaller capacity, holding around 5,000 fans, but will also act as host for some of this year’s group round matches.
The Government’s investment in sports infrastructure has allowed Equatorial Guinea to again hold the position of host during the AFCON, further permitting the country to promote continental integration through sport.
Image: ©Al Jazeera
Bata Stadium