Local telecommunications giants, MTN Rwandacel have brought the 26th Africa Cup of Nations ‘home’ live from Ghana. MTN-Africa is the official sponsor of CAN Ghana2008 and in Rwanda, specifically to the Kigali fans, they have come up with the idea to show live matches on giant screens in ten difference venues within Kigali city. MTN-Rwandacel in collaboration with Lotto Rwanda and Bralirwa through their Primus brand will show all 32 matches including the final on February 10. On the first day, Sunday, January 20, fans who were lucky enough to learn of this initiative (on time), watched the opening game between the hosts Ghana and Guinea, which the former won 2-1. “MTN as the title sponsor of the Africa Cup of Nations, and as an African company that is passionate about football, has planned different activities throughout the tournament that allows us to share this experience with all Rwandans,” said Amin Gafaranga, MTNBusiness Development Manager. He added, “In addition to yesterday’s (Sunday) event, during the next couple of weeks we will be working with different venues (up to 10 venues in Kigali) that are committed to bringing the Africa Cup of Nations’ experience to Kigali residents, we will also be delivering free match updates via SMS as well as other promotions.” He, however, did not elaborate of the exact venues. Sunday’s match also saw our own Fifa/Caf assistant referee Celestine Ntagungira commonly referred to as Abega in charge and he did not disappoint either. On the opening day, hundreds of fans including Youth, Culture and Sports Minister Joseph Habineza and Mr. Robert Bayigamba, president of Private Sector Federation among others, thronged Amahoro indoor stadium to watch the first match. Ends
