African Football League to kick off on 20th October, final game on 11th November 2023

Mahmoud Elassal , Saturday 5 Aug 2023

The South African Football Association (SAFA) announced in a statement on Friday the dates for the inaugural African Football League, confirming that the tournament will commence on 20th October, with the final game scheduled for 11th November 2023.

Sundowns  midfielder Khuliso Mudau (R) fights for the ball with Ahly s Tunisian defender Ali Maaloul
Sundowns midfielder Khuliso Mudau (R) fights for the ball with Ahly s Tunisian defender Ali Maaloul (L) during the CAF Champions League group B match between South Africa s Mamelodi Sundowns and Egypt s al-Ahly at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on March 11, 2023. AFP

 

The official draw for this newly established competition is set to take place in early September 2023.

The tournament will feature the participation of eight clubs from across the continent, who will compete for the continental title and substantial prize money.

According to SAFA's official website, the newly formed competition will span a period of four weeks, with knockout stage matches from two groups of four teams commencing on 20th October 2023.

The tournament will consist of quarterfinals, semifinals, and ultimately, the final, which will be played on 11th November 2023.

The prestigious tournament will include the following eight participants: Egypt's Ahly, South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns, Morocco's Wydad, Tunisia's Esperance, DR Congo's TP Mazembe, Nigeria's Enyimba, Tanzania's Simba Sports Club, and Angola's Atletico Petroleos.

Delegations from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have initiated inspection visits to assess the teams' venues and ensure the readiness of the respective countries.

In early July, the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, announced a name change for the African Super League even before the commencement of the competition. 

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