Everything is in leather.
The adidas Teamgeist is one of the most iconic balls in World Cup history. In 2006, the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) even adopted the design of this World Cup ball due to the lack of models specifically built for the competition.
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Since 2008, Adidas has begun to customize special balls for the African Football Confederation and its African Cup of Nations.
It was a wise but belated decision that gave rise to a ball that better reflected the soul of the African continent: abstract patterns dominated by yellow and green that recalled panes, bubus, kaftans and other traditional garments – symbols of “Mama Africa”.
With three days to go until the start of the 2025 World Cup in Morocco, let’s focus on the evolution of the African Cup of Nations ball.
2008 African Cup of Nations (Ghana)
This ball called “Wawa Aba” is the first leather ball customized by Adidas for the African Cup of Nations. The vibrant designs are reminiscent of the textiles sold at flea markets in Accra, the capital of Ghana.
2010 African Cup of Nations (Angola)
To commemorate the first World Cup held on African soil (South Africa) in 2010, adidas redesigned the famous Jabulani ball, giving it an Angolan (host country) style: “Jabulani-Angola”.
African Continental Conference 2012 (Equatorial Guinea/Gabon)
A quick geography lesson: Equatorial Guinea is the only Spanish-speaking country in Africa. In a nod to this uniqueness, the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations ball was given a Spanish-sounding name: “Comoequa”. What a tongue twister.
AFCON 2013 (South Africa)
The African Cup of Nations in the Rainbow Nation shines brightly with Katlego, the twin sister of “Comoqua”. So, which one is the most attractive?
2015 African Continental Conference (Equatorial Guinea)
After yellow balls in two consecutive African Cups, adidas decided to go back to basics with the launch of the “Marhaba” shoe. This Arabic word means “welcome” in Arabic, but this ball would become synonymous with “welcome” bid farewell For Adidas. In fact, this is the last ball designed by the German brand for the African Cup of Nations.
2017 African Cup of Nations (Gabon)
Two years after the “Marhaba” model, Miter took over from adidas by designing the “Delta Hype”. But this “hype” did not last long: after the 2017 African Cup of Nations, Miter was replaced by Umbro.
2019 African Cup of Nations (Egypt)
The beginning of the Umbro era. The British brand started its reign with rather…bland designs! Called the “Neo Pro,” the ball isn’t exactly a collector’s favorite. Far from it.
2021 African Cup of Nations (Cameroon)
In 2021, Umbro corrects its course with a ball that exudes football and Africa. And so came the name of the ball: “Toghu”, a tribute to one of the host country’s most treasured traditional costumes. Authenticity is priceless.
African Continent 2023 (Côte d’Ivoire)
Puma is CAF’s new ball supplier. Last October, the German brand launched a ball to grace the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The “Pokou” model pays homage to Ivorian legend Laurent Pokou (14 goals in the Africa Cup of Nations).
Africa CON 2025 (Morocco)
For this edition of the tournament in Morocco, PUMA unveiled the “Itri” ball, inspired by Moroccan art and featuring a shimmering mosaic. This design has become popular with collectors.
This article was translated into English by artificial intelligence. You can read the original version at 🇫🇷.
