The launch of the African Football League and its ambitions

Football’s global impact is undeniable as it continues to capture the interest of millions with its passion and excitement. Africa, one of the renowned footballing nations that boasts abundant talent and a deep love for the sport, has long lacked a unified professional league to showcase this potential.

However, a new era is dawning as the African Football League (AFL) takes centre stage, aiming to revolutionise the continent's football landscape and fulfil its ambitious aspirations. Get to know more about AFL here.

What is AFL?
The African Football League (AFL) is an elite club tournament that was announced on November 28, 2019. It was created by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and is organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

It is an annual competition that started in October 2023 and features eight teams in its first season. It operates alongside CAF's other main club competitions, the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup. Now, many fans have aspirations for AFL to be featured on football betting platforms like Sportsbet-io as well.

Beginnings
Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, unveiled an ambitious plan during his trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to commemorate TP Mazembe's 80th anniversary. He proposed the creation of a prestigious tournament, wherein the best 20 clubs from Africa would compete in an African league.

On July 17, 2021, CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced the African Super League project, a new tournament organised by CAF. The competition was officially launched on August 10, 2022, in Arusha, Tanzania.

To distance itself from the failed European Super League, the tournament's name was changed to the African Football League on June 9, 2023. The inaugural edition, starting on October 20, 2023, would feature only eight teams, and it was clarified that the African Football League would not replace the CAF Champions League, which is CAF's top club competition.

The format for the first edition was announced on August 29, 2023, with future seasons anticipated to have different formats. Finally, on October 20, 2023, Motsepe unveiled the trophy for the African Football League.

League format
During the launch ceremony in 2022, the initial format of the African Football League was revealed. The tournament would feature 24 teams divided into three regional groups: North, Central/West, and South/East. Each group would consist of eight teams, with a maximum of three teams from each country.

A total of 197 matches would be played, including promotion and relegation play-offs. The finalists would play a maximum of 21 matches. The final match, known as ‘the Super Bowl of Africa,’ would be a standalone fixture.

However, for the 2023 edition, the tournament was adjusted to an eight-team knockout competition with two-legged quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final. The 2024-25 season will witness the previously announced format being implemented.

Africa's new super league crowned
In the first season of the African Football League (AFL), Mamelodi Sundowns, a South African team, emerged as the champions. They secured the AFL title with a 2-0 win in the second leg against Wydad AC, resulting in a 3-2 aggregate victory. This marks the very first championship in AFL history.

Africa has not had the opportunity to host a tournament of this magnitude for 13 years since the memorable FIFA World Cup in South Africa in 2010. While the expected legacy of that event has not fully materialised, the Africa Super League presents a new and exciting opportunity.

The AFL is undoubtedly something to keep an eye on. Top football teams and players from the continent are beginning to showcase their exceptional skills, talent, and unwavering passion for the sport. This has the potential to not only transform the football scene in Africa but also have a ripple effect on a global scale.

Furthermore, the AFL's presence on platforms like Sportsbet-io offers football enthusiasts an enhanced and immersive spectating experience, adding another layer of excitement to the game.