LOC head Hani Abou-Reida provided the opening speech, followed by CAF president Issa Hayatou before President Mubarak, accompanied by the first lady, gave the official starting signal.

The African Cup gala consisted of a 45-minute cultural show presented by Egyptian actor Khaled Al-Nabawi and TV celebrity Yasmine Abdullah.

Local pop singer Hisham Abbas’ African Cup theme song “Our Tournament” was received by the scores of fans with great excitement.

Egypt-based Moroccan singer Samira Saied gave a performance of her own.

The festivities were concluded by a spectacular laser show and dazzling fireworks that lit the skyline surrounding the Cairo International Stadium.

Egypt face Libya in the tournament curtain raiser at 7pm (CLT).