Smartphone maker TECNO has rolled out four football-focused artificial intelligence technologies during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, aiming to deepen fan engagement through real-time match analysis, personalised highlights and crowd-centric visuals.
The tools, built on TECNO’s proprietary Ella AI system, operate directly on smartphones and are designed to complement live broadcasts rather than replace traditional coverage, the company said.
At the centre of the suite is Ella Match Decoder, which analyses live match data by tracking player movement, tactical positioning and phases of play, translating them into simplified insights that allow fans to follow shifts in tempo, defensive shape and attacking build-up without specialist commentary.
Another feature, Ella Match Highlight, automatically generates personalised recaps by grouping key moments such as goals, recoveries, errors and decisive combinations, allowing users to replay or share selected highlights.
The third tool, Ella Snap & Know, uses visual recognition to identify and contextualise on-screen actions during live matches, providing instant explanations of what is unfolding.
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The fourth, Ella Star Cam, focuses on the stands rather than the pitch, capturing crowd reactions, chants and celebrations to reflect the atmosphere that defines the tournament.
TECNO said the technologies reflect its “Aspire Intelligence” approach, which integrates artificial intelligence into everyday digital behaviour. During AFCON 2025, the company has embedded the tools into its tournament-related digital platforms as part of its role as an official partner of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The deployment underscores the growing role of smartphones as a second screen for football fans, offering real-time interpretation and personalised viewing experiences alongside live broadcasts.
