A makeshift goal is set up in Jamestown, Accra, Ghana. Photographer Jessica Hilltout captured several such scenes during her trip around Africa.
Footballs are made from anything from clothes to old bags. Often their lifespan is short despite being handled as precious possessions.
In some parts of rural Africa, handmade balls like this one are often made from old rice bags and tied together with fresh tree bark. Condoms are often used too -- they have a life span of three days when inflated to make a football. This picture was taken outside Pipeline FC, Nhambonda, Mozambique.
Soale proudly holds the only ball in the village of Kpenjipei, Ghana. This ball was stitched up numerous times and had to be re-inflated during matches. Hilltout said: "This ball was hanging onto life for the sake of a whole village. It almost started to have human qualities."
In Pacasse, Mozambique, the football players have to contend with pitch invaders.
"Am I kicked, beaten, used, crushed and trampled? Or am I strong, resilient, determined, unbeaten, proud?
"I am both. I am proof that with so little we can do so much. I am proof that simple pleasures are enduring.
"I am a ball. I am an African ball."
Cup holders
This trophy was won by Etoile Brillante d'Eburnie, a team in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Hilltout said: "I think this must be one of the most beautiful football trophies I have ever seen."
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