Set to also be attended on behalf of the national body, Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) by Secretary General Charles Osei Asibey, other top guests billed to attend the event include Gambia President Adama Barrow, AIPS President Gianni Merlo, Sports Ministers of Senegal, Mali, Nigeria and other continental sports icons.

The Congress, set for the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Banjul, is under the theme, “Digital Media, AI, and Ethical Journalism in Africa”.

It brings together sports journalists and key stakeholders from across the continent to deliberate, collaborate, and shape the future of African sports journalism It also provides an opportunity for sports journalists to learn, network and grow professionally, strengthening the future of sports journalism in Africa.

The AIPS has over the years protected the rights of sports journalists, promoted professionalism, ethics and built capacity, while creating platforms for learning, networking and the overall development of sports journalism.

Ghana hosted the 6th AIPS Congress in Accra two years ago.

The African Club Association inaugural meeting was chaired by CAF President of CAF Dr Patrice Motsepe who saw a need for African Football Clubs to have a platform and a structure where they can have a voice in African football.

Young Africans of Tanzania President, Hersi A. Said was elected as the inaugural Chairman of the ACA.

He will serve with two deputies: Jessica Motaung from Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa) and Nigeria’s Paul Bassey from Akwa United.

Full Board: African Club Association  

UNAF Zone: 

• Khaled Abdelkader (Al Ahly, Egypt)
• Mohamed Boudrika (Raja, Morocco)

WAFU A: 

• Rodney Edmond Michael (Mighty Blackpool FC, Sierra Leone)
• Famakan Dembele (AS Real Bamako, Mali)

WAFU B :

• Ayibatin Wilfrido (AS Loto FC, Benin)
• Paul Bassey (Akwa United, Nigeria)

CECAFA: 

• Hersi A. Said (Young Africans, Tanzania)
• Hassan Ali Eissa (Al Hilal, Sudan)

COSAFA: 

• Jessica Motaung (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa)
• Salamo Newboy Hei (African Stars, Namibia)

UNIFFAC :

• Ravel Mondjo Mbouloungou (CS de Bendje, Gabon)
• Guy Kapya Kilongozi (AS Maniema Union, DR Congo)

Credit: CAF

Wydad AC will host the first leg of what is expected to be a thrilling Final between Africa’s two most enterprising Clubs on Sunday, 05 November 2023 in Morocco at Casablanca’s Stade Mohammed V at 19H00 local time (18H00 GMT and 20H00 Cairo time).

The second leg will be played in Pretoria (Tshwane), South Africa at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday, 12 November 2023 at 15H00 local time (13H00 GMT and 15H00 Cairo time) where the inaugural AFL Champions will be crowned.

The African Football League is a CAF competition established in partnership with FIFA.

One of the main objectives of the AFL is to ensure that the quality of African club football is globally competitive and commercially viable.

African Football League (AFL) prize money:

The Winner of the inaugural African Football League will receive prize money of USD 4 Million.

The other prize monies are:

• Runner-up: USD 3 million
• Semi-finalists: USD 1,7 million each
• Quarter-finalists: USD 1 million each

Credit: CAF Communications

Titled ‘AKWABA’ which means welcome in Ivorian parlance, is a captivating musical project piloted by the talented team at global record label Universal Music Africa.

A definition of the Pride of African football theme for the tournament, it also embodies a declaration of love for football, a tribute to the continent’s cultural diversity and the warm hospitality of Cote d’Ivoire when the rest of Africa and the world gathers from 13 January to 11 February 2024 for the 34th edition of the continent’s football showpiece event.

The great piece of art was put together by legendary Ivorian group Magic System from Cote d’Ivoire, famous for the global hit Premier Gaou; dazzling Egyptian pop icon Mohamed Ramadan whose ‘Number 1’ continues to receive worldwide attention; Nigerian diva Yemi Alade of ‘Johnny’ fame and renowned producer Dany Synthe, giving birth to a tune that transcends borders and cultures in displaying a united Africa. The quartet delivered a powerful rendition of AKWABA during the draw for the final tournament of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023, held in Abidjan a fortnight ago.

AKWABA is expected to set the African continent ablaze with an explosion of rhythms and melodies that embody the spirit of unity, passion and celebration.

It is available on all streaming platforms and promises to take us on an unforgettable musical journey.

Get ready to sing, dance and celebrate in unison during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023.

The competition will kick-off on 13 January 2024 in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

Credit: CAF Communications

Reigning 11-time African champions Al Ahly of Egypt, Morocco’s Wydad Athletic Club, Tunisia’s Espérance de Tunis and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns have all confirmed their place in the last four of the competition, in which the champions take home a record $4 million winners prize.

The African Football League got off to a spectacular start with a four-goal thriller in the tournament opener in Tanzania between Al Ahly and hosts Simba SC – and it’s gotten better and better since.

Ahly got the better of Simba over two legs, Esperance beat DR Congo’s TP Mazembe, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns were too strong for Angola’s Atlético Petróleos de Luanda and Moroccan giants Wydad AC were just too strong for Nigeria’s Enyimba as they booked the last spot in the semifinals.

Semi-Final weekend: Big Four Square off: 

North African giants Wydad and Esperance face each other in a titanic semifinal battle this weekend. The two will take to the field in a the first of two legs on Sunday October 29 at the State Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca, Morocco. The return fixture will be played at the Stade Olympique de Radès in Tunis on November 1.

In the other semifinal clash Mamelodi Sundowns renew what has become one of African football’s biggest rivalries against Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

The first leg will be played at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday October 29, while the return fixture will take place at the Cairo International Stadium on November 1.

The winners of the African Football League will receive prize money of $4 Million. The runner-up will get $3 Million.

The two semi-finalists will each get $1.7 Million while the quarter-finalists will each get $1Million.

CAF President, Patrice Motsepe led the unveiling ahead of kick-off later this evening in Tanzania.

Former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger was among the FIFA representatives and dignitaries present at the unveiling of the cup which the inaugural will take home aside the whooping four million US Dollars ($4m) prize money.

Eight of Africa’s most famous, iconic and successful will compete against each other in a knockout format consisting of a quarter final, semi final and final beginning this afternoon in Dar es Salaam when perennial Africa clubs championship kings, Al Ahly of Egypt travel to battle hosts, Simba in the first of four fixtures across the continent this weekend.

On Saturday, Angola’s Atlético Petróleos de Luanda host South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns whereas T.P. Mazembe of DR Congo welcome Tunisian giants, Esperance du Tunis on Sunday, teh same day Nigeria’s Enyimba of Aba host Wydad Casablanca of Morocco.

Each tie will be played over two-legs, on a home and away basis, with the semi-finals set to take place between 29 October and 1 November.

Aside the record cash on offer for the eventual champions, the runner-up will pocket a staggering $2.8 Million whilst the two beaten semi-finalists will each get $1.7 Million. The 4 sides to be eliminated in the preliminary round (quarter-finalists) are also assured of $900 000 each.

The AFL is a titanic battle of strength versus strength between the giants of African football – and it doesn’t come much bigger than the reigning African champions and football royalty, Al Ahly SC, heading to Tanzania’s capital to face Simba SC and their fanatical fans in the tournament opener.

Eight of Africa’s most famous and iconic clubs will compete for the grand prize of $4 million which goes to the winners of the inaugural AFL tournament, raising the stakes considerably in a tournament that brings an exciting new African football product to the world football calendar.

The opening match on Friday between Simba and Al Ahly kicks off at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Friday 20 October at 18h00 local time (15h00 GMT) in an atmosphere that is sure to be a red-hot cauldron and full house, as Simba go up against the 11-time African champions from Cairo.

Weekend African Football League (“AFL”) Fixutres:

On Saturday, 21 October at 15h30 GMT 16-time Angolan champions Atlético Petróleos de Luanda hosts South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, the winners of the last six South African domestic league titles in a row, at Luanda’s Estadio 11 de Novembro.

On Sunday, Democratic Republic of Congo champions TP Mazembe will host Tunisian giants Esperance Tunisienne, also at Dar es Salaam’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium at 18h00 GMT.

In the last of the tournament’s mouthwatering opening weekend games, Nigerian powerhouses Enyimba FC host legendary Moroccan champions Wydad Athletic Club at Uyo’s Goodwill Akpabo Stadium on Sunday in a match also kicking off on Sunday 22 October at 18h00 GMT.

The eight teams will play in a knockout format consisting of a quarter final, semi final and final.

Each tie will be played over two-legs, on a home and away basis, with the semi-finals set to take place between 29 October and 1 November.

AFL Prize Money:

The winners of the inaugural African Football League will receive a prize money of $4 Million.

The runner-up will get $2.8 Million. The two semi-finalists will each get $1.7 Million. The quarter-finalists will each win $900 000.

While the eight protagonists will compete for record prize money in the first edition of the AFL, in time the objective of the tournament is to be Africa’s most exciting competition, providing a new dimension in terms of entertainment, television production and the fan experience – which will complement CAF’s strong existing interclub competitions.

Credit: CAF

The Partnership between the African Football League (“AFL”) and Visit Saudi represents a significant milestone for African football and Saudi tourism, creating a bridge and a partnership between two worlds that share a profound passion for football.

As part of this collaboration, the African Football League (“AFL”) and Visit Saudi express their shared enthusiasm for this Partnership and affirm their openness to extending this collaboration for future editions of the AFL. Both parties are committed to the success of this Partnership and the positive impact it will have for the development and global competitiveness of African football and Saudi tourism.

The Partnership between CAF and Visit Saudi holds enormous potential for the African Football League (“AFL”) which has the highest prize money and is the most competitive club football competition on the African Continent.

The success of the AFL will contribute to the building of Youth academies for boys and girls and football infrastructure in the 54 countries that are represented by CAF’s Member Associations.

The eight clubs that will compete in the Inaugural African Football League (“AFL”) are: Al Ahly SC (Egypt), Enyimba FC (Nigeria), Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), Mamelodi Sundowns FC (South Africa), Atlético Petróleos de Luanda (Angola), Simba SC (Tanzania), TP Mazembe (DR Congo), and Wydad AC (Morocco).

Credit: CAF Communication Department

The AFL will kick off on Friday 20 October 2023 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and will feature Simba SC (Tanzania) and Al Ahly SC (Egypt).

The Prize Money for the AFL is as follows:

• $4 000 000 for the Winner
• $3 000 000 for the Runner-up
• $1 700 000 for each of the Semi-finalists
• $1 000 000 for each of the Quarter-finalists

The Prize Money is appealing and competitive as the Winning Club will only play 6 matches to win the substantial Prize Money of $ 4 000 000.

The other popular and top-ranked football Clubs participating in the Inaugural AFL are Enyimba FC (Nigeria), Wydad AC (Morocco), Mamelodi Sundowns FC (South Africa), TP Mazembe (DR Congo), Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia) and Atlético Petróleos de Luanda (Angola).

The AFL is a CAF competition established in partnership with FIFA. One of the main objectives for forming the AFL is to ensure that the quality of African Club football is globally competitive and that African football Clubs are commercially viable. The AFL will also contribute to the development and growth of Youth football talent on the African Continent.

CAF’s intention, is that all the 54 CAF Member Associations including the countries that may not have football Clubs in the AFL should benefit and receive financial contributions from the commercial viability and success of the AFL.

Credit: CAF Communication Department

The AFL is a partnership between CAF and FIFA. The Inaugural edition of the AFL will feature 8 of Africa’s most famous and successful teams from the 3 African Regional Blocks which are: the North Region, the Central-West Region and the South-East Region.

Egyptian giants Al Ahly Football Club, Tunisia’s Espérance Sportive de Tunis and Wydad Athletic Club from Morocco are the football clubs from the North Region.

The clubs from the Central-West Region are: Nigeria’s Enyimba Football Club and the DRC’s Tout Puissant Mazembe.

Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club from South Africa, Angola’s Atlético Petróleos de Luanda and Tanzania’s Simba Sports Club are the football clubs from the South-East Region.

The draw for the Inaugural AFL competition will be held in Cairo, Egypt, on 2 September 2023, at 19H00, Cairo Time and will be streamed live on the AFL website and televised by CAF’s broadcast partners.

The fixtures of the Inaugural AFL competition are structured on a home and away basis. The competition starts with knock-out quarter finals and will be followed by the semi-finals and the final; all of which are played over two legs.

This historic Inaugural edition of the AFL will take place over four weeks, kicking off with the Opening Ceremony and the first match on 20 October 2023 in Dar es Salam, Tanzania.

The semi-finals will take place between 29 October and 1 November.

The final matches which will determine the winner of the Inaugural AFL competition will take place on 5 and 11 November 2023.

The Inaugural AFL is a precursor to the fully-fledged AFL competition which will feature the 24 highest ranked football clubs on the African Continent and will commence during the 2024/2025 football season.

Fans of football around the world can keep up to date with the latest news and information on the most exciting club football competition in Africa via the AFL website, as well as social media platforms Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter).

The AFL website will also offer live Over-The-Top (“OTT”) access to the draw and all AFL matches as well as supporting feature content to keep fans engaged throughout the entire competition from 3 September 2023 onwards.

Follow AFL via the website at www.afl.africa

For social media, engage with the event through the following links:

Facebook: afl_africa

Instagram: afl_africa

X (Twitter): afl_africa

TikTok: afl_africa

For more information contact: media@afl.africa

Credit: CAF