Cambridge United vs Charlton Athletic: Where to Listen and Who’s Commentating on the EFL League Cup Tie

On Tuesday 26 August 2025, Cambridge United hosts Charlton Athletic in the second round of the English League Cup (EFL Cup) at the Cledara Abbey Stadium in Cambridge. The match kicks off at 19:30 UK time and promises keen competition as both sides vie for progression in this historic knockout tournament.

For football fans across the UK eager to follow all the live action, the game will be broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, offering extensive commentary and reporting throughout the evening. Additionally, dedicated coverage is available on the Soccer Special programme, providing expert insights and updates.

Broadcast Channels and On-Air Talent

BBC Radio 5 Live serves as a flagship sports radio broadcaster in the UK, renowned for its comprehensive football commentary and analysis. For this fixture, the reporter on the ground will be Sanny Rudravajhala, whose reporting experience spans major football competitions and who is known for delivering detailed live updates and interviews.

BBC Radio Cambridgeshire provides a vital local perspective on Cambridge United’s matches. The main commentator is Mark Johnson, a seasoned broadcaster with a deep knowledge of lower league football and Cambridge United’s squad dynamics. Co-commentating alongside him will be Saleem Akanbi, a former professional footballer with experience at various clubs, bringing expert tactical analysis and player insight to the commentary team. Their combined expertise ensures listeners receive a rich understanding of the match as it unfolds.

On the sidelines, Harriet Prior will report for Soccer Special. Harriet is recognised for her engaging interviews and in-depth match reports, often capturing the human stories behind the football action.

About the Match and Teams

The match takes place at Cambridge United’s home ground, the Cledara Abbey Stadium, with the kickoff set at 18:30 UTC (19:30 UK time). Cambridge United faces a challenging opponent in Charlton Athletic, a club with a strong record in past encounters – Charlton have remained unbeaten against Cambridge in their last nine meetings, with six wins and three draws. This adds an intriguing psychological edge to the fixture.

Both teams enter the EFL Cup aiming to advance and make a significant run in the competition, which serves as both a prestigious knockout cup and, for the winner, a route into UEFA competitions. The League Cup final for the 2025–26 season is scheduled at Wembley on 22 March 2026, offering further motivation for both sides early in the campaign.

The Commentators' Background

Mark Johnson has been a prominent voice in British football radio for over a decade. Known for his articulate and insightful commentary style, Mark has covered games across the English Football League and has a reputation for making complex tactical developments accessible to all listeners.

Saleem Akanbi, the co-commentator, is a former professional player who retired recently and transitioned into football media. His playing career included stints in both the English League One and League Two, which gives him a strong understanding of the players’ perspectives and the league’s competitive nature.

Sanny Rudravajhala and Harriet Prior have established themselves in football broadcasting through their ability to blend vivid reporting with engaging storytelling, often capturing the emotional and strategic layers of football matches beyond the pitch.

How to Listen and Follow

Supporters can tune into BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio Cambridgeshire on the evening of 26 August to catch live commentary. Many will choose BBC Radio 5 Live for a national, wider perspective, while the local BBC Radio Cambridgeshire broadcast offers more club-specific detail and insight.

For continued updates, reports, and post-match analysis, Soccer Special provides an ideal companion with reporter Harriet Prior’s live reports and feature segments. Combining these audio options ensures fans do not miss a moment of the EFL Cup excitement.

Additional Resources and Links

This EFL Cup fixture represents an exciting contest in the early rounds of this season’s competition, with expert commentators and reporters ready to bring every pass, tackle and goal to life for British football fans.

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Click here for full commentator listing for Cambridge United v Charlton Athletic