📸 The fascinating evolution of the Africa Cup of Nations ball

It’s all in the leather.

Adidas Teamgeist is one of the most iconic balls in World Cup history. In 2006, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) even adopted the design of this World Cup ball, due to the lack of a model specifically created for the competition.

It was only from 2008 onwards that Adidas began to customize balls dedicated to CAF and its AFCON tournament.

A wise, albeit belated, decision that gave rise to balls that better reflected the soul of the African continent: predominance of yellow and green, abstract patterns evoking pagnes, boubous, kaftans, and other traditional garments—symbols of “Mama Africa.”

With three days to go before the 2025 edition in Morocco, let’s focus on the evolution of the AFCON ball.

This ball, called “Wawa Aba,” was the first leather customized by Adidas for AFCON. The vibrant design is reminiscent of textile products sold in the flea markets of Accra, the Ghanaian capital.

To commemorate the first World Cup held on African soil in 2010 (South Africa), Adidas remixed the famous Jabulani ball, giving it an Angolan (host country) touch: “The Jabulani-Angola.”

A little geography lesson: Equatorial Guinea is the only Spanish-speaking country in Africa. To pay tribute to this uniqueness, the 2012 AFCON ball was given a Spanish-sounding name: “Comoequa.” Quite a tongue-twister.

AFCON in the Rainbow Nation was brightened up by “Katlego,” the twin sister of Comoequa. So, which one is the most charming?

After two consecutive AFCON tournaments with a yellow ball, Adidas decided to return to basics with the “Marhaba” model. This Arabic word means “welcome” in Arabic, but this ball would become synonymous with farewell for Adidas. Indeed, it was the last ball designed by the German brand for AFCON.

Mitre succeeded Adidas two years after the “Marhaba” model, by designing the “Delta Hype.” But this “hype” didn’t last long: Mitre was, in turn, replaced by Umbro after the 2017 AFCON.

The beginning of the Umbro era. The British brand launched its reign with a rather… insipid design! This ball, called “Neo Pro,” is not a favorite among collectors. Far from it.

In 2021, Umbro corrected course with a ball that exudes football and Africa. And the name of the ball follows suit: “Toghu,” in tribute to one of the most prized traditional outfits in the host country. Authenticity is priceless.

Puma is the new supplier of balls for CAF. Last October, the German brand unveiled the ball that will brighten up the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The “Pokou” model pays tribute to Ivorian legend Laurent Pokou (14 goals in AFCON).

For this edition in Morocco, Puma has unveiled the “Itri” ball, inspired by Moroccan art and featuring a shimmering mosaic. A design already popular with collectors.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.