The decision to extend the Bata stadium was made when Equatorial Guinea was chosen to host the 2012 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), and the extension of the stadium was entrusted to the local subsidiary of Bouygues Bâtiment International in 2010. On the works programme: an increase in capacity from 20,600 to 35,000 places, construction of a galvanized covered crown protecting 15,000 seats, installation of a VIP area and international standard-compliant lighting, all in 11 months! Football fans were thus able to experience the AFCON opening ceremony and the semi-final matches in a completely modernised stadium.