Confederation of African Football (Caf) and official kit suppliers Adidas presented a new Official Match Ball for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2012 today.
The ball called Comoequa is named after the Como River that runs through host nations Gabon and Equatorial Guinea as well as the Equator that runs through many African countries.
The Comoequa is the third in the series of match balls presented by Adidas for the tournament following the Wawa Aba in Ghana 2008 and Jabulani Angola for Angola 2010.
According to the press release, the 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 ball also shares the same construction as the Tango 12, the Official Match Ball for the Uefa Euro 2012.
The Comoequa 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.
At Afcon 2010, Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama voiced complaints about the Jabulani Angola’s unpredictable swerving motion.
Adidas claims that the new ball has passed through rigorous testing as it hopes to avoid the controversies that have trailed its balls in the past.
“No, it is neither too light, nor too small because it always passes a rigorous testing and it exceeds all FIFA Approved Standards,” Adidas said.
