Samsung Electronics, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, has awarded fair play prizes to stars of the ongoing African Cup of Nation in Equatorial Guinea.

Samsung is one of the official sponsors of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament since 2008.

As part of Samsung’s sponsorship of the tournament this year and their goal of recognising talent on the African continent, the company is presenting 32 players with ‘Samsung Fair Player of the Match’ award.

The company is also awarding one nominated player as ‘Samsung Fair Player of the Competition’ at the final match on February 8, 2015.

According to a statement by Samsung, “the award is to promote the fair play sport along with the excitement of the competition for AFCON.”  

Winners of the ‘Samsung Fair Player of the Match’ include Frederic Bulot of Gabon, Andre Ayew of Ghana, Erick Mathoho of South Africa and Ahmed Kashi of Algeria.

“These games are intense and exciting, but there is more to the game than just winning and getting a ball into the net. Teams and players that play hard, but fair, always win the hearts and minds of spectators,” Mr. George Ferreira, Samsung Africa VP and COO said in the statement.

“The competition is fierce on the field and Samsung is proud to be associated with encouraging high levels of fairness during the games. It has been great to see so many top players doing so well and winning these prizes,” Mr. Amr Shaheen, CAF Marketing & TV Director added.

The statement concluded that, “Samsung has taken a leading role in not only sponsoring the tournament but has also been reaching out to the African community through CSR initiatives that promote football on the continent, specifically with the youth who wish to continue pursuing football as a profession.”