The 49th Africa Day, which fell on 25 May 2012, was a festive friendly football match between the Foreign Ministry team and a joint team of the Embassy of African countries on the football field of Police Science College (PTIK), South Jakarta (27 / 05).
This event was jointly-organized by the Directorate of African Affairs with the Embassy of Zimbabwe, was opened by the Director General of Asia Pacific & Africa, Yuri O. Thamrin, and Embassy of Zimbabwe and the Dean of the Group of African Ambassadors, Alice Mageza.
“The important thing is not about winning the match, but how we enjoy and have fun together”, said Yuri in his speech. Next, in jest, Yuri warned the African team that although they have a preferable physique, the Foreign Ministry team will surely be able to threaten their goal post.
On the other hand, Ambassador Alice Mageza expressed her appreciation towards the Directorate of African Affairs which had organized such event and her hope that this event will strengthen the friendship between Indonesia and the African countries. She was also had the opportunity to beat drums and to sing African chant as a mark of the opening of the event.
The MOFA team players, who wore red shirts, included several Echelon 2 officials such as, among others, the Director for Legal Affairs and the Director for Political, Security and Territorial Treaties. Meanwhile, the African Embassies team players, who wore white shirts, included diplomats from Zimbabwe, South Africa and Nigeria.
Some supporters of African team played vuvuzela instrument, which enlivened the match. The African team finally won the friendly match, with the final score of 5 – 2. (Source: Dit. African Affairs/Ed.PY)