The inaugural African Soccer League (AFL) kicked off final week, representing probably the most bold try but by CAF to remodel and modernize membership soccer throughout the continent.
The brand new match by CAF and backed by FIFA, guarantees to take the cream of African membership sides to a world viewers.
Because the AFL prepares for at present’s semi-final matches, here’s a nearer take a look at the groundbreaking competitors promising to shake up the established order.
What’s the AFL?
The AFL is Africa’s new elite membership competitors that includes eight of the strongest groups from totally different areas battling in a knockout format.
The 16-game match culminating in a two-legged ultimate will hand $4 million prize cash to the victorious membership.
CAF and FIFA introduced plans for the AFL in February 2020 to supply a brand new pan-African membership platform and alter the face of the game in Africa.
Who’s Competing within the AFL?
The eight AFL individuals have been chosen based mostly on membership rankings from North, Central-West and South-East Africa.
Egyptian giants Al Ahly, who’ve received a document 11 CAF Champions League titles, headline the inaugural version.
Fellow north African golf equipment Wydad Casablanca of Morocco and Tunisia’s Esperance, boasting 9 titles between them, add extra continental pedigree.
DR Congo’s five-time champions TP Mazembe and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, twice African kings, present additional high quality.
Different golf equipment within the competitors are Enyimba FC (Nigeria), Atletico Petroleos de Luanda (Angola) and Simba SC (Tanzania).
What’s the AFL Format & Schedule?
The AFL shall be contested on a straight knockout foundation over seven rounds culminating in a two-legged ultimate on November 5 and 11, 2022.
Quarter-finals matches have been performed as double-headers on October 28 and 29 earlier than at present’s semi-finals happen.
Sundowns will host Al Ahly within the first match of the first-leg of the semi ultimate at whereas Wydad Casablanca host Esperance within the different match of the day later within the night.
The second leg matches shall be performed on Wednesday.
The schedule allows the match to squeeze inside the present membership calendar whereas showcasing its stars to new audiences.
How Can Followers Watch the AFL Globally?
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In a break from the previous, the AFL shall be broadcast internationally through FIFA’s FIFA+ streaming platform in addition to the brand new AFL web site.
This digital-first strategy will make the AFL simply accessible for supporters internationally whereas doubtlessly attracting youthful audiences.
What’s the AFL’s Wider Impression?
Central to the AFL is a imaginative and prescient of remodeling membership soccer in Africa and making its prime sides globally aggressive each on-pitch and commercially.
A key a part of this plan is distributing revenues and sources evenly amongst CAF’s 54 members.
The AFL guarantees to stimulate improvement throughout Africa and steadiness the panorama within the continent’s favorite sport. It represents CAF’s most daring try but to shake up the established order and obtain lasting change in African soccer.
The AFL kickstarts a brand new period full of intrigue however large potential upside.
By taking the cream of African membership soccer to the world, it may elevate Africa’s sporting standing and remodel its home leagues. The journey has began.
