January 21, 2012

The opening day of the Africa Cup of Nations 2012 – in pictures

Libyan hearts were broken after conceding a late goal to Equatorial Guinea, handing the opening match to the hosts

African Cup: African Cup of Nations — A young woman wears a wig with the colours of Equatorial Guinea's football team Photograph: Ariel Schalit/AP

African Cup: African Cup of Nations — A Equatorial Guinea supporter wears a mask as he waits to enter the Estadio De Bata Photograph: Ariel Schalit/AP

African Cup: African Cup of Nations — A member of Equatorial Guinea's police special forces and his security dog try to control fans Photograph: Amr Abdallah Dalsh/Reuters

African Cup: African Cup of Nations — A supporter of Equatorial Guinea at the start of the match against Libya Photograph: Ariel Schalit/AP

African Cup: African Cup of Nations — Supporters of Morocco and Equatorial Guinea dance around a toy tiger Photograph: Ariel Schalit/AP

African Cup: EAfrican Cup of Nations — Equatorial Guinea fans flee from tear gas fired by special police forces as they try to get inside the Estadio de Bata Photograph: Amr Abdallah Dalsh/Reuters

African Cup: African Cup of Nations — Fans wait to go inside the stadium for the opening game of the tournament Photograph: Amr Abdallah Dalsh/Reuters

African Cup: African Cup of Nations — Fans force their way into the stadium ahead of Equatorial Guinea's Group A match against Libya Photograph: Ariel Schalit/AP

African Cup: African Cup of Nations — Police fire tear gas at fans as they try to get inside the stadium Photograph: Amr Abdallah Dalsh/Reuters

African Cup of Nations: African Cup of Nations — Band members wait for the opening ceremony of the tournament Photograph: Ariel Schalit/AP

African Cup: African Cup of Nations — The end of the opening ceremony was marked by fireworks Photograph: Ariel Schalit/AP

African Cup of Nations: African Cup of Nations — Dancers wear traditional tribal costumes as prepare for the opening ceremony Photograph: Ariel Schalit/AP

African Cup: 28th African Cup of Nations opening ceremony — Dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the Cup of Nations Photograph: EPA

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