Mimi Boateng, the 8-year-old who held the AFCON trophy in a palanquin during the closing ceremony of the tournament has shared her experience with Ghana’s number one Sports Station Happy 98.9FM.
Mimi, now in the United Kingdom studying Electrical Engineering was the last Ghanaian to have held the trophy in 2008 when the country hosted the tournament which was won by Egypt.
According to her, it was a privilege to be selected to do the honors.
“The event was dear to my heart and it brings back fond memories. I am blessed to have had that opportunity”, she told Ohene Bampoe Brenya, host of Happy Sports in a zoom interview.
Mimi also disclosed that her friends and those who know her do send her pictures from the event even after 14 years.
“Sometimes people do recognize me, especially those who know me well. I was excited to be part of it”.

At that young age, she exhibited courage and confidence showing the trophy to the 40,000 fans at the stadium.
According to her, she was nervous but seeing her mum gave her courage.
“I was nervous when I came out of the tunnel to see the stadium packed, but seeing my mum in the stands smiling at me calmed me down. I am glad, I had the confidence to see it through”.
Mimi moved to England in 2019 and is currently an Electrical Engineering student.