Mbombela — Local soccer lovers who are not able travel to Mbombela stadium in Mpumalanga to watch the Africa Cup of Nation (Afcon) matches will be able to view the quarter final and semi final games in their own neighbourhoods next week.

The provincial Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation has organised public viewing areas in all three districts of the province where the Afcon games will be broadcast on big screens.

"The public viewing areas will offer fans a chance to follow the Afcon games in (a vibrant) atmosphere, which includes musical performances by top artists," said department spokesperson Sibongile Nkosi on Thursday.

Nkosi said the quarter final between Ivory Coast and Nigeria will be broadcast at Ga Morwe stadium in Kameelrivier B at 4pm on Sunday.

The semi final match, which will be decided by the outcomes of the quarter finals, will be flighted at Mkhuhlu stadium in Mkhuhlu near Hazyview at 6pm on February 6.

The final match, which will not play at the Mbombela stadium, will be flighted at Mpumalanga stadium in Wesselton near Ermelo at 6pm on February 10.

Department MEC Sibongile Manana urged the public to rally behind the tournament and go to the public viewing areas in large numbers.

"We are calling all football supporters and ordinary people alike to show support for the games by buying tickets to follow the tournament live at the stadium. For those who won't make it to the stadium they can watch African football stars battling for supremacy at the PVAs," said Manana.