AFCON TotalEnergies Cameroon 2021: Cheerful Denouement!

All is well that ends well! Cameroon and Africa can now beat their chest in appreciation for what the just-ended African Cup of Nations codenamed, AFCON TotalEnergies Cameroon 2021, has produced in terms of attendance and football fraternity on and off the pitch.
Like in the opener on January 9, 2022, the closing ceremony of the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations yesterday February 6 at the newly-constructed Olembe football temple in the outskirts of Yaounde was a veritable show of continental unity around a sport which knows no race, language or culture. Real unity in diversity and a perfect show of what togetherness can produce in the midst of whatever adversity. The near timidity that characterised the participating teams prior to the competition owing to fears raised and intimidations from some football circles across the globe was visibly behind all and sundry as joy and anxiety could be read on many faces throughout the grand finale. Joy because host Cameroon and the organiser (CAF) stood above the fears, anxiety as all wanted to know the new king of African football and fulfilment that at last, Africa converged on Cameroon and upheld much-cherished unity.
The closing ceremony which culminated in the final between the Pharaohs of Egypt and Teranga Lions of Senegal, which produced Senegal as the new reigning champions, was a perfect display of Africa’s determination to surmount organisational challenges and to showcase Africa’s football flair. For, Africa stood up united and its football emerged stronger.  
The huge presence of Africans of all walks of life in the 60,000 Olembe stadium, their chants and brotherly mannerisms long before the arrival of the officiating Cameroon’s Head of State slightly over 6 pm was reminiscent of a people who find pleasure in the game whose spectacle sometimes causes viewers to easily forget their difficulties and differences.
The arrival of the Presidential couple at the stadium was almost like an icing on the cake given the enthusiasm from the thousands of football fans who were already enjoying the warmth of the event. The hectic entry of Paul and Chantal Biya; amidst cheers from the huge crowd, simply moved attention from the different tribunes where supporters animated in different styles to the playground for the solemn closing ceremony.
The warm words of welcome reserved the Presidential couple by the Minister of Sports and Physical Education and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi and the President of the Confederation of African Football, Dr Patrice Motsepe set the stage for real business to rumble off....