Zambia Excluded from New African Football League as CAF Selects Top Eight Clubs
Zambia Excluded from New African Football League as CAF Selects Top Eight Clubs
Zambia’s absence from the newly established African Football League (AFL) has become apparent, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) opting to include only the top eight ranked clubs on the continent. The AFL, a collaborative effort between CAF and FIFA, aims to elevate African club football by showcasing the prowess of the continent’s best teams.
In a joint statement, CAF and FIFA announced the creation of the AFL, a super competition that will feature Africa’s highest-ranked football clubs. The AFL’s primary objective is to provide fans in Africa and across the world with the opportunity to witness the finest of African club football.
The inaugural edition of the AFL is set to comprise eight of Africa’s most renowned and successful teams, hailing from three regional blocks: the North Region, Central-West Region, and South-East Region.
Representing the North Region will be Egyptian giants Al Ahly, Tunisia’s Espérance, and Morocco’s Wydad Athletic Club.
The Central-West block will feature Nigeria’s Enyimba Football Club and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Tout Puissant Mazembe.
From the South-East Region, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, Angola’s Atlético Petróleos de Luanda, and Tanzania’s Simba Sports Club will participate.
While a Zambian club’s absence is notable, CAF’s emphasis on the highest-ranked clubs reflects its commitment to showcasing top-tier football talent and competition. The fixtures for the inaugural AFL competition will follow a home-and-away format, commencing with knockout quarterfinals. The tournament will culminate with the semi-finals and final, all contested over two legs.
The AFL’s inaugural draw is scheduled to take place in Cairo on September 2, marking the next step in the evolution of African club football. As the competition prepares to kick off, football enthusiasts anticipate a display of skill, passion, and competitive spirit that celebrates the essence of the beautiful game on the African continent.
