by Thinus Ferreira
SuperSport has acquired the broadcasting rights for sub-Saharan Africa for the Confederation Africaine de Football's (CAF) 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
The 33rd Afcon will take place in Cameroon between 9 January and 6 February 2022.
The 2021 Afcon was originally scheduled for June 2021 but was postponed, and was postponed a second time in June 2020 to January 2022 due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, but would keep the name 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations will be played by 24 teams in 5 cities (Douala, Yaoundé, Bafoussam, Garoua and Limbe) across Cameroon, with Algeria as the defending champions.
SuperSport will broadcast all 52 matches live on MultiChoice's DStv with several dedicated channels, with coverage by analysts and presenters.
In South Africa, the PSL channel will carry 43 matches with the remaining 9 matches available on the SS Variety 3 channel.
Across the rest of Africa excluding South Africa, the SS Variety 1 channel will feature 43 matches with the other 9 matches on the SS Football channel. GOtv will broadcast 43 fixtures (Select 2) with 9 more matches on Go Football.
For the first time MultiChoice's video streaming service Showmax will also make all 52 2021 Afcon matches available as live streaming for Showmax Pro subscribers.
Showmax Pro will also carry 2021 Afcon magazine shows and game highlights throughout the tournament.
"Afcon is the continent's showpiece event and we are delighted to offer it on
various channels and platforms," says Marc Jury, SuperSport CEO.
"With many
big-name players and so much at stake, our expectations are of a hard-fought,
entertaining tournament that delivers the action that African football is
synonymous with."
Veron Mosengo-Omba, CAF general-secretary, says "SuperSport is an important
platform in sub-Sahara and we are excited to team up with them for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations".
"It is important for CAF to ensure that the
Afcon, being the single-biggest sporting event on African soil, and prime
content, is accessible all over the world. This event is consumed not only by
Africans but enjoys a global audience."
