The Africa Football League (AFL) burst into life with a spectacular opening ceremony in Tanzania on Friday ahead of the first ever match between Simba SC and Al Ahly.

A 60,000 sell-out crowd at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium was treated to a thrilling curtain-raiser before the AFL got underway in Dar es Salaam.

Celebrated Tanzanian musician Ali Kiba had the packed venue in raptures with a passionate performance of his hit song Sumu to kick off proceedings.

His high-energy show was accompanied by dazzling choreographed dancers and traditional performers dressed in vibrant attire.

Among the enthralled spectators were Tanzanian President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and FIFA boss Gianni Infantino.

Both Motsepe and Infantino addressed the joyous crowd to express their delight at Tanzania hosting the historic first AFL match.

“Tanzania should be proud of what we are witnessing here today,” Motsepe told the captivated audience.

An electric atmosphere built across the party-like opening ceremony, perfectly encapsulating the excitement and optimism surrounding the AFL’s arrival.

It set the stage for the groundbreaking pan-African league to lift off in dramatic fashion with the continent’s eyes transfixed on the opening spectacle.

The AFL promises to take African club football into an exciting new era, and this unforgettable launch in Tanzania suggests the journey will be an enthralling rollercoaster.