AFL a new avenue for Masandawana domination
After much discussion and controversy, the African Football League will take off, heralding a new era of perceived growth of football in the continent. For a start, eight teams will take part in the competition, which kicks off on 20th October after that, there is the promise of increasing the number of participants. Initially, there was the suggestion to have 24 teams take part in the competition, but after a lot of push and pull, it was settled on eight teams participating. One of the lucky eight to start the inaugural competition are the South African giants, Mamelodi Sundowns. While it will have an extra cost to the participating teams, the African Football League promises more betting options for Mamelodi Sundowns’ and South African fans. This is where 10Bet comes as good option, with a wide range of markets available, a mobile app that’s easy to maneuver as well as welcome and loyalty bonuses. Fans will however have to contend with the fact that the bookie has no livestreaming option but on Sportytrader there’s the in depth 10Bet review with pros and cons.
Continental dominance
For Mamelodi Sundowns, after years of dominance in South African football, this is another avenue for continental football dominance. No one promises them ease through the way, but with their quality, Sundowns should be able to add onto their already rich trophy cabinet. The former African champions have been starved of continental success in recent times and the desire to keep competing at the high levels is brought up right here. Sundowns will be the only representative from South Africa, from the initial list of eight teams put across for the competition. They are one of the two sides from Southern Africa that will grace the inaugural African Football League, the other one being Petro Atletico de Luanda of Angola. Masandawana will also be vying for this title alongside record African champions al Ahly, Nigeria’s Enyimba FC, Tunisia’s Esperance de Tunis, Simba SC of Tanzania, TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca.
Who wins?
Who wins the inaugural competition, will be the question on each of the eight teams’ minds and their fans’ too. With the selection of teams, it is well clear that picking underdogs will be a tough ask. While Petro Atletico de Luanda continues to defend themselves against match fixing allegations, their opponents Sundowns progress with preparations. This just about explains the disparities in African football. The two sides are expected to face off in the first leg of their clash on Saturday 21st October, with Masandawana traveling to Angola. The tournament will be played on a home and away basis with Sundowns set to meet African giants Al Ahly or Tanzanian champions Simba SC if they beat Petro Atletico. In the draw released for the competition, Wydad Casablanca will be taking on Enyimba FC on Sunday 22nd October while TP Mazembe have a date with Espereance de Tunis with the Congolese side starting at home in the first leg on 21st October.
