The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced plans to trial a new match ball design during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group-stage encounter between Algeria and DR Congo scheduled for Tuesday, January 6.
CAF confirmed that the test will be conducted under live competitive conditions as part of its broader initiative to upgrade equipment standards and integrate modern football technology across its tournaments.
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The Algeria–DR Congo fixture has been selected to evaluate the ball’s performance in key technical areas, including control, flight movement, durability, and overall responsiveness during high-intensity play. CAF officials are expected to closely monitor the match and collect detailed feedback from players and match officials after the game.
According to CAF, the outcome of the trial could influence whether the new ball is adopted for future CAF competitions, as the governing body continues to align its tournaments with global best practices.
The move highlights AFCON 2025’s growing role as a testing ground for innovation, reinforcing CAF’s commitment to enhancing the quality, professionalism, and international appeal of Africa’s flagship football tournament.
