AFCON 2021: City dwellers indifferent as banners fly in Bamenda after Mola's visit

By Bakah Derick 

Banners announcing the 33rd edition  of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) now fly on major streets in Bamenda. The banners that appeared on the streets during the early hours of Monday 27 December 2021 indicate that AFCON is here. 

AFCON banner at mile two Nkwen

City dwellers have however remained indifferent describing both the visit of the mascot and the flying of banners as non-events. 

"I saw the banners this morning just like I saw in TV that the mascot was in Bamenda. For me it doesn't represent anything because the matches will not be played here. The matches will be played in Cameroon but our town has nothing except this banner and visit of the mascot." John Ngeh a football fan said 

"What does the banner represent? It this what we deserve? I have nothing to say than to wish the participating teams good luck." Yvonne Nyuyki said 

Heavily guarded mascot in Bamenda 

The reaction look same to that which welcomed the official tournament mascot Mola to Bamenda on the 16 December 2021. In a tour of the town, some euphoria was spotted around Old Town and Up station. This was unlike elsewhere in the country where the mascot passed. 

The AFCON starts on January 9, 2022 in Yaounde, Douala, Bafoussam, Limbe and Garoua. Not just is Bamenda not included in the AFCON agend, the city lacks sports infrastructure especially football.