Mandela Birthday Match Ends In Draw, African XI 3 - Rest of World XI 3

7.18.07

In celebration and in honor of former South African president Nelson Mandela's 89th birthday, an African XI drew against a Rest of the World XI 3-3 in a charity match that benefited the Mandela Foundation. Proceeds from the match went to Mandela's 46664 global HIV/AIDS campaign -- named after his inmate number while imprisoned during his fight against apartheid. This is the second time Mandela has been honored by FIFA, and the only person ever to have that distinction. He was also honored in 1999 at the close of his term as president.

Although Mandela could not be in attendance, a prerecorded message was projected from the scoreboard screen. In it he said,"This match is more than just a game -- it symbolizes the power of football to bring people together from all over the world, regardless of the language they speak or the color of their skin."

An additional prerecorded message was delivered by FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who praised the former statesman for his humanitarianism, "It is a real pleasure to be able to stage this unique match to honor someone who has dedicated his lifetime to the promotion of human rights and democracy, and who has led the endless fight for freedom not only of his people, the South Africans, but of all mankind."

Brazilian legend Pele kickoff the match in front of a crowd of 35,400 in Cape Town with a ball signed by Mandela as "Madiba", his clan name as he is known in his home country.

Cameroon all-star and 3-time African player of the year Samuel Eto'o captained the African XI.

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