It’s day two of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, and still, some Cameroonians aren’t getting over the colorful ceremony at the Olembé Omnisport Stadium, in Yaoundé.
On a day where the whole continent turned its focus on Cameroon, Cameroonians did not disappoint, and they showed to the entire continent that the game of football comes first. Below, we look at major highlights of the opening ceremony in Yaoundé.
Covid-19 not a problem to Cameroonians
Safe to say, many had expressed concern about the turnout at the Olembe Stadium, with the numerous barrier protocols and conditions set by CAF and the organizing committee of the AFCON. That however was never going to be a problem for football lovers in Cameroon who turned out massively at the stadium, having fulfilled the stringent conditions. It is not far-fetched to say the attendance record may have been smashed were it not for the attendance limit set by CAF.
It’s only a Sunday if it’s not an AFCON Opening Ceremony
Easy to say most preachers may have been left disappointed, with Cameroonians turning up at the Olembé Football Stadium more than 7 hours before the official opening ceremony of the AFCON.
“Sundays will always be there for us to go to church, but the AFCON maybe once in a lifetime,” a joyful football fan mentioned.
As early as 10:30 am, long queues had already been formed at the stadium by supporters, ready to fest the whole day to the tune of the AFCON.
Covid-19 Vaccines on Sale?
Cameroonians would use every opportunity presented to them for business purposes, even if it means hawking Covid-19 Vaccines like a bag of vegetables.
Yes indeed! Vaccines were being sold clandestinely at the premises of the stadium, at 200FCFA. Whether they somehow got intercepted by the authorities is still a mystery. Naive and risk-taking supporters however paid to take the jab.
It should be made known that the government had published an exclusive list of health establishments whereby supporters could carry out their tests and vaccination in all safety weeks before the tournament began. The services are free and are open every day.
Movement Paralyzed in Yaoundé
Movement in Yaoundé was paralyzed in several areas of the town. The movement was made more difficult given the Head of State had to be driven from the Unity Palace to the Olembé Football Stadium.
Aside from heading to the stadium too, it was not an easy route navigating to other parts of the town. Like was the slogan yesterday, all roads led to the Olembé Football Stadium.
Moreover, it has also been revealed by the Yaoundé authorities that roads were going to be closed 4 hours before on all match days which the Indomitable Lions would play.
Music stars light up crowd
The gleeful opening ceremony at the Olembe Football Stadium was grazed by the presence of popular music stars in attendance, who sent the crowds into a frenzy with their mere presence.
Musicians like Stanley Enow who did not perform managed to heighten the mood at the stadium with simple salutes. He and Congolese star Fally Ipupa were received with joyous screams and resounding blows of trumpets and Vuvuzelas.
3D Animation amazes crowd
One of the major highlights of the opening ceremony at the Olembe Football Stadium was the innovative use of 3D technology that thrilled the perplexed crowd.
The Lion animation, visible on the screen but not on the field was greeted with joyous applauds from the crowd. Many think the animation is unique and has distinguished Cameroon from other hosts as well as set the bar higher for other hosts.
Did President Paul Biya Faint?
Easy to say, on occasions like this, Cameroonians will put aside any political differences between them and enjoy the vibes.
President Paul Biya was received at the Olembe Football Stadium with thunderous applauds from the crowd, and the famous “Paul Biya! Notre President” chant.
Weak and frail, the President, flanked by his first lady, Mrs. Chantal Biya waved at the crowd before taking a seat up at the Tribune.
After declaring open the AFCON tournament, the president appears to have fainted slightly while he took his seat.
The crowd was oblivious of this fact, but it did not go unnoticed by the watchful eyes of Cameras who had focused on him.
Videos quickly circulated on social media of the President’s purported collapse, and some critics were quick to use it, and call for him to relinquish power.
AFCON2021 Opening Ceremony Highlights: what you missed and what you didn’t
