Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 9 February 2015: The African Union Commission Chairperson H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma congratulates the President of Cote d’Ivoire, H.E. Alassane Ouattara, the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire and the Ivorian people for the outstanding victory in the 2015 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament (AFCON 2015). She applauds the Black Stars of Ghana, the runner up for putting up an equally brilliant performance until the very end.

“African football has over the years improved exponentially and the talent showcased by the two African football giants in the final, was nothing short of the brilliance and great talent of African sports men and women.” The AU Commission Chairperson remarked.

Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma also hailed the Democratic Republic of Congo and Equatorial Guinea for emerging in 3rd and 4th place respectively out of the 16 teams that qualified for the prestigious football tournament. She commended their commitment and hard work that resulted in their surpassing many of the favourites.

The AU Commission Chairperson re-echoed her gratitude to the President of Equatorial Guinea, H.E. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, the Government and people of Equatorial Guinea for successfully hosting the tournament after only two months of preparations, brushing aside the Ebola scare. That show of solidarity, she indicated, forms part of Africa’s determination to defeat the Ebola Virus Disease.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma further Congratulates and appreciates the untiring efforts of Confederation of African Football (CAF) for having once again delivered on the successful organisation of the tournament, that has for years served as one of the uniting factors for the continent

Jacob Enoh Eben

Spokesperson of the Chairperson