Football enthusiasts across Africa were met with surprising news recently, as MultiChoice, the broadcasting giant behind popular channels like SuperSport, revealed that they won’t be showcasing the highly anticipated 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) matches.
For years, SuperSport has been the go-to platform for continental football, making this announcement a significant shift in the way fans will access the AFCON action.
When is AFCON 2023?
AFCON 2023, the 34th edition of the biennial tournament, was initially planned for the Northern Hemisphere’s summer. However, due to adverse weather concerns in Ivory Coast, the host nation, the event has been rescheduled to take place from January 13 to February 11.
Why GOtv, DStv won’t show AFCON 2023 matches
MultiChoice’s decision not to broadcast the AFCON 2023 matches stems from their inability to secure the broadcasting rights from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Instead, these rights were awarded to New World TV, a Togolese audiovisual group. This unexpected twist has left football enthusiasts wondering about the future of AFCON coverage, especially given SuperSport’s long standing role as the primary broadcaster for such events.
The intricacies of these negotiations and decisions are not fully disclosed, but it’s evident that a shift in the broadcasting landscape for AFCON has occurred. This move by CAF opens up opportunities for other providers, diversifying the options available to fans.
MultiChoice has reassured its subscribers that, despite their absence, AFCON 2023 can still be enjoyed through partner Free-to-Air (FTA) channels on DStv.
Channels such as SABC Sport (South Africa), AIT (Nigeria), GTV (Ghana), and TVT (Togo) will be broadcasting the matches. This strategic collaboration ensures that the spirit of AFCON reaches a broader audience.
Where to Watch AFCON 2023
While the broadcasting situation for AFCON 2023 is still evolving, several providers have already secured rights for different regions.
StarTimes, another pay-TV provider, has sub-licensed the rights from New World TV. Football enthusiasts can catch the AFCON action on StarTimes sports channels, including ST Sports Premium, ST Sports Focus, and ST World Football. This move provides an alternative for those seeking a different viewing experience.
For viewers not subscribed to MultiChoice or StarTimes, there are still avenues to enjoy AFCON 2023.
Online streaming services, such as CAF TV (the official AFCON streaming platform), bet365, and Showmax Pro (available in select countries), offer additional options. However, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of choosing legitimate sources to avoid legal issues associated with unauthorized streaming.
In Australia, beIN Sports or Kayo Sports will be broadcasting the matches, while in the UK, CAF YouTube offers free and recommended coverage. Fans in South Africa can tune in to SABC Sport for free and recommended viewing.
For international viewers, various services like beIN Sports, FuboTV, Sportdigital, and others cater to specific regions, but many are not free. A VPN can help overcome geo-restrictions for those attempting to connect from different countries.
