Drake says it will face Mexican all-star team in first American football game played in Africa

Drake says it will play football game in Africa

DES MOINES, Iowa — Drake University plans to face an all-star team from Mexico in Tanzania next year in what the school says will be the first American football game ever played in Africa.

The school announced Wednesday that the Bulldogs, who compete in the Football Championship Subdivision, will play on May 21 in Moshi, Tanzania, in the inaugural Global Kilimanjaro Bowl.

Players from each team will hold a football clinic for local children. They’ll also stay after the game for community service projects, including work on an orphanage, and to hike Mount Kilimanjaro.

Drake coach Chris Creighton says the trip will meet his dream of bringing American football to a place that’s never experienced it before.

Drake officials didn’t specify the cost of the trip but say they were accepting donations to help cover expenses.