Football Notes: Africa Cup Of Nations Weary Of Low Attendance Figures

Africa Cup of Nations hosts South Africa "face a battle to convince fans to back them in large numbers" at the tournament after less than 15,000 watched a 0-0 draw with Algeria in its last warm-up game in Soweto on Saturday, according to REUTERS. Only 14,558 attended the match at Orlando Stadium, "reflecting a general discontent with the team's performance." The showing "did little to dampen fears that the tournament" will attract small crowds (REUTERS, 1/14). ... The Spanish Professional Football League (LFP) has revealed the Week 21 La Liga clash between Barcelona and Osasuna will be played Jan. 27 at 7pm local time and the Athletic Bilbao vs. Atlético Madrid match will take place on the same day at 9pm local time (EFE, 1/14).