As the tournament grows in stature, so does the hype and publicity that surrounds the African Cup of Nations. And as with major tournaments like the World Cup, European Championships and Champions League, the beginning of a new tournament means the unveiling of the new match ball.
Unveiled by adidas and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the Official Match Ball for the 2012 Orange African Cup of Nations will be the adidas Comoequa football. The name takes it’s inspiration from the Como River which runs through both host nations - Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, and the Equator which runs throughout Africa and unites both host nations.
The adidas Comoequa features a bright yellow base colour inspired by the vibrancy of African culture, and links to the flags of both tournament hosts – Gabon and Equatorial Guinea through colour markings on the central triangular panels. The Comoequa shares the same construction as the Tango 12, the Official Match Ball for the UEFA Euro 2012, and is the third ball adidas has produced for the tournament, having started as the Official Supplier of the African Cup of Nations in 2008.
Complementing the design, the adidas Comoequa football features a series of triangular panels that are thermally bonded together to ensure a true, stable flight path. Covering each panel of the ball is a grip texture which supports boot to ball contact and enhances ball control. Beneath the outer surface of the ball lies a woven carcass and a new bladder for increased air retention and reduced water uptake.
The adidas Comoequa will be used on field during the African Cup of Nations which kicks off on January 21st, when tournament hosts Equatorial Guinea take to the field at the Estadio de Bata in Bata.
The adidas 'Comoequa' football is available for purchase from selected adidas retail outlets and associated stockists as of January 2012. Stay tuned to SoccerBible as we bring you the latest news and images of the official match ball for the 2012 AFCON. Share your thoughts online, on Twitter and on Facebook.