Samsung, best known in soccer for its sponsorship of English soccer club Chelsea, has signed a partnership with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in the same week that saw tragedy strike the federation's flagship tournament.

The company highlighted its support of the Africa Cup of Nations, currently being played in Angola. On Friday, Togo pulled out of the competition after the team bus was attacked by gunmen in the country's Cabinda region.

In addition to sponsoring Chelsea's shirt and having a significant presence at the club's Stamford Bridge stadium, Samsung sponsors Brazilian club Palmeiras, and has investments in Australian Rules Football, rugby, Nascar and more.

Meanwhile, Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, currently playing for the Ivory Coast at the ACN, is the company's brand ambassador in Africa. Drogba was named African Footballer of the Year in 2006, as he helped Chelsea to the Premier League title, and has been named one of the continent's top three players on five occasions.

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"Founded in 1957, the Africa Cup of Nations is held every two years as the main international football competition on the continent and enjoys a tremendous following given the increasing success and popularity of football in Africa," said the company, which will sponsor CAF for four years. "We are very proud to support one of the biggest sporting events in Africa."

The company will provide CAF with electronics and telecommunications equipment, and will also back the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2011 Africa Youth Championships. Its branding will feature prominently at matches, while it will also sponsor on the Fair Play Award presented after each match and at the end of the competition.