Launched by the roar of a virtual lion frolicking on the edge of the roof of the Olembé stadium, which still received a few last brushstrokes on Sunday, the dancing ceremony was greeted by the crowd of a stadium filled to 80%, the gauge set by the health authorities and the CAF (African Football Confederation).

One of the highlights was the extremely rare appearance of Paul Biya, 88 years old.

The President of Cameroon (since 1982) got out of his convertible limousine, on the athletics track, to hear the national anthem and receive the ovation of the crowd during a lap of honor.

On the other hand, when the president of CAF, Patrice Motsepe, pronounced the name of Gianni Infantino, he was booed.

It was probably related to the pre-tournament suspense, when the organization of the CAN seemed, for some, in the hands of the Italian-Swiss president of Fifa.

In the gallery, President Biya's speech was limited to a brief official opening statement for the tournament.

Since his highly contested re-election in 2018, his public appearances have been rare.

His presence was eagerly awaited as persistent rumors have circulated for years about his fragile state of health and his ability to rule the country.

President Biya hopes that this CAN will allow him to restore his image which has been considerably tarnished internationally for his relentless repression of any political opposition and his refusal to negotiate with the English-speaking separatists.

The most virulent want independence in the North West and South West regions.

Once the ceremony began, the audience warmed up during the costumed dances and parades of extras carrying the flags of the competitors on diamonds, like the scales of the stadium dress, inspired by those of the pangolin.

A stage drawn and started long before the animal symbolizes the coronavirus pandemic.

The opening match of the CAN between Burkina Faso of captain Bertrand Traoré and Cameroon at home in Yaoundé, January 9, 2022 Kenzo Tribouillard AFP

It was ultimately the Congolese singer Fally Ipupa, a huge star on the continent, who aroused the most enthusiasm.

Before the arrival of the Indomitable Lions, of course ...

© 2022 AFP