Africa Cup of Nations 2012: Co-hosts Equatorial Guinea secured a $1 million bonus plus plus $20,000 for a goal in 1-0 victory against Libya

Co-hosts Equatorial Guinea secured a $1 million bonus plus $20,000 for a goal in 1-0 victory against Libya in African Nations Cup opening game of the tournament. The bonus is a reward promised by president son Teodoro Obiang Nguema. Midfielder Javier Balboa scored the winning goal on 87'.

For Libya team this is more than just a football tournament, it is coupled by celebration for Libya freedom post Colonel Gadaffi. El Khatroushi and Juma Gtat joined the then rebel force and fight Gadaffi regimen. El Khatroushi said “Everybody is afraid of dying at a young age, but we had to do something,” …… “I'm proud of what we did, but that's not why we fought. We did it for our country.”

Equatorial Guinea vs Libya video highlights

The tournament give opportunity for more football minor teams to show their quality as the famous Africa giants Nigeria, Cameroon, Egypt and South Africa failed to qualify. Ivory Coast are clear favorites and would fance the opportunity to capitalize on absence of Africa giant. Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Koro Toure and Yahya Toure are among top player among with many others.