Gabon has unveiled the mascot for next year's African Cup of Nations, a black panther which the country named "Samba". "The black panther is a national symbol of Gabon and demonstrates the Central African nation's long term commitment to environmental protection, which includes creating a sanctuary for the some of the world's most fragile species," the Gabonese presidency said in a statement. "The Mascot is sporting the blue and yellow colours of Gabon and its name, Samba, means hello and welcome in local Bantu language." A ceremony was held on Friday to unveil the mascot when Gabon played Sierra Leone in a friendly in Franceville. Among the attendees were FIFA's newly-elected president Gianni Infantino and CAF chief Issa Hayatou. "I am thrilled today to see the Black Panthers play in this packed stadium where Gabonese from all walks of life are gathered to share their common passion for the game," Gabon President Ali Bongo Ondimba said. "Football, like no other sport, creates a sense of unity, equality and inclusion. "All of these are at the heart of my vision for a changing Gabon. It is a pleasure to welcome the new President of FIFA, on his first trip to Africa, to see for himself the great welcome our country will give all participants and visitors to next year's tournament." Gabon is hosting the Nations Cup for the second time after co-hosting the biennial tournament with Equatorial Guinea in 2012. (For more sportsnews andupdates, followAhramOnlineSportson Twitter at@AO_Sportsand onFacebookatAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/197951.aspx
