adidas have rolled out the Marhaba, the official match ball for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.
Designed in collaboration with the CAF (Confédération Africaine de Football) the Marhaba's distinctive gold and blue colouring represents the contrasting landscapes of the continent, from the Sahara desert to the bright azure sky. The finishing touches to what is always one of the loudest, most colourful and passionate football tournaments in the world.
The technology incorporated into the bladder and carcass of Marhaba is identical to the Brazuca used in the 2014 World Cup and the UEFA Champions League Official Match Ball and has undergone the same rigorous testing process to make sure that it is suited to the playing conditions during the tournament. adidas have created their best ever football and they're not about to change things for the sake of it, it's very much a 'if it isn't broke, don't fix it' approach.
The ball will be officially presented during the tournament draw in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday 3rd December 2014 by members of CAF and the Local Organising Committee with the tournament kicking off on 17 January. The word Marhaba? An arabic expression for welcome. Now you know.
What do you think of the adidas Marhaba AFCoN match ball? Drop your comments below.
