BBC launches Ghana 2008 viral football game

Media News

London, January 17, 2008

BBC World Service is leveraging the excitement around Ghana 2008 Africa Cup of Nations by launching its first ever online football game. Named after its popular African sports presenter, Farayi Mungazi's Penalty Shootout supports the BBC's extensive coverage of the Africa Cup of Nations. It also increases awareness of the international broadcaster's football coverage among fans in Africa and across the world.

Farayi Mungazi's Penalty Shootout is available at bbcworldservice.com/penaltyshootout from Thursday 17 January and will culminate on the day of Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday 10 February. There are no prizes, but there will be a virtual cup for the most successful team, which will be announced internationally.

BBC World Service has launched a three-week campaign to promote the viral game on various online sites including Sky Sports, MSN as well as partner site Allafrica.com in 18 countries across Africa. On-air promotions run on the BBC's sports programmes such as World Football and Fast Track.

Farayi Mungazi's Penalty Shootout also features on the social networking site, Facebook. A dedicated page enables members to play for their country, join in daily discussions about the games, upload pictures and videos and encourage their friends to play the game. They also can view the league table which will be updated daily.

Throughout the competition BBC World Service is on the ground connecting with fans at the main social hubs and internet cafes of the four host cities - Accra, Kumasi, Sekondi-Takoradi and Tamale. In addition to inspiring fans to take up Farayi Mungazi's Penalty Shootout, the internet cafés provide an opportunity to demonstrate the BBC's comprehensive BBC African football website, bbcworldservice.com/africanfootball , and encourage fans to download a special wallpaper. BBC teams will also distribute a vibrant Africa Cup of Nations wall chart allowing fans to update match results as the tournament progresses, and a BBC car bumper sticker, postcard and T-shirt all specially designed for the games.

For further information please contact:

BBC World Service

Lala Najafova

International Publicist

Tel: +44 207 557 2944

Email: lala.najafova@bbc.co.uk