Africa Newsroom — In a groundbreaking move, Canal+ Gabon has unveiled an extensive special package for football enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the excitement of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, the most anticipated sports event on the African continent.
Canal+ Gabon, through its subsidiary MultiChoice, has successfully secured the broadcasting rights for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025. The tournament is set to kick off on December 21, 2025, and will conclude on January 18, 2026. This marks a significant milestone for the channel, as it aims to offer viewers an unparalleled experience of the event.
The special package promises to deliver the competition in a linguistic feast, with Canal+ becoming the first broadcaster to offer the AFCON 2025 in French, English, Portuguese, and several African local languages. This move is not only a testament to the channel’s commitment to linguistic diversity but also a reflection of the continent’s rich cultural tapestry.
Canal+ has assembled a team of seasoned journalists, consultants, and African football legends, including Cédric Kante, Mamadou Niang, and Samuel Lobé, to provide in-depth coverage and expert analysis. The channel’s dedication to delivering high-quality content is evident in its promise to bring the excitement of the tournament to hundreds of millions of viewers across the continent.
Accessibility is another key focus for Canal+, as it endeavors to make African football accessible to the widest audience possible. The channel has partnered with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to ensure a comprehensive broadcast that caters to all viewers.
However, the broadcast rights agreement has not been without controversy. Only 60% of the matches will be available for free on public channels in Sub-Saharan Africa, while the remaining 40%, including potentially crucial matches like quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final, will be accessible only through a subscription to DStv or Canal+. This decision has sparked concerns among public channels, who argue that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has favored Canal+ and are demanding full broadcasting rights for all 52 matches.
The implications of this arrangement are profound, as it could potentially widen the gap between those who can afford pay-TV subscriptions and those who rely on free-to-air channels. It also raises questions about the future of football broadcasting in Africa and the need for a more inclusive approach to sports coverage.
In conclusion, Canal+ Gabon’s special package for the AFCON 2025 is a significant development in the world of African football broadcasting. While the channel’s commitment to linguistic diversity and quality coverage is commendable, the controversy surrounding the broadcasting rights agreement underscores the challenges that lie ahead in ensuring equitable access to sports events for all African viewers.
Source: Agpgabon
Additional reporting by ImNews
