Making the Africa Cup of Nations accessible to blind and visually impaired fans is the goal behind an innovative project backed by the African Football Confederation and developed by the company Touch2See. The idea is simple but powerful: bring the excitement of the stadium to those who can’t rely on sight, using a cutting-edge device that blends audio description with tactile technology.
At the heart of this initiative is a specially designed tablet that reimagines how blind users can experience a football match. The surface of the device is made from a textured leather known as “serviletic,” which allows users to physically feel the ball’s position and movement in real time. As the match unfolds, the tablet translates the motion of the game into tactile sensations, while also incorporating vibrations to reflect the game’s intensity. An added audio layer enhances the overall experience, painting a full picture through sound and touch.
This isn’t a replacement for traditional audio commentary—it’s a powerful extension of it. The device gives users something that sound alone can’t fully convey: the rhythm and flow of the match. With this technology, blind fans can sense the urgency of a sprint down the wing, the sharpness of a pass, or the tension of a physical battle for the ball. It’s all about making the game feel alive, in the most literal sense.
Just a few years ago, tools like this didn’t exist. Audio description was scarce, and trained commentators were even rarer. That’s beginning to change. New devices are entering the scene, trained professionals are stepping up, and more organizations are rallying behind a shared mission: to give blind and visually impaired people equal access to the thrill of live sports—and beyond that, to cultural experiences as a whole.
Football is a sport built on visuals, speed, and motion. Translating that into something that can be felt rather than seen is no small feat. It’s a technical challenge, but also a human one—and a leap forward for inclusion. With tools like these, blind fans aren’t just listening to the game, they’re feeling it. They’re part of the action, riding the highs and lows, and most importantly, sharing in the universal passion that football brings to so many.
