By: Kwame Bediako
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is exposing cracks in fan engagement, with Spanish outlet Marca spotlighting glaring discrepancies between “sold-out” tickets and half-empty stadiums. At Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Morocco’s tense 1-1 Group A draw against Mali unfolded before just a fraction of its 70,000 capacity, despite an official crowd of 63,844. Fans like Amine Mazraoui vented frustration over crashed websites and rapid sell-outs, while ticket touts allegedly snapped up bulk inventory for resale at exorbitant markups.
Digital barriers block African fans from AFCON matches
While Morocco and Algeria boast the tournament’s only officially sold-out group matches, crashing ticketing platforms have locked out passionate supporters across the continent. Amine Mazraoui, a die-hard Moroccan fan, described his futile early-morning scramble on the official site, only to be met with server overloads that left him peering through stadium gates. This tech meltdown echoes broader access woes, turning what should be a continental celebration into a digital divide that sidelines everyday enthusiasts from live action.
In Tangier, Senegal’s clash with Botswana played to sparse crowds despite high official numbers, underscoring how online glitches disproportionately hit fans without premium connections or quick fingers. Critics argue CAF’s outdated infrastructure fails to handle AFCON’s hype, prioritizing elite buyers over the grassroots base that fuels African football. As Morocco pushes for home glory until January 21, these barriers risk alienating the very supporters who amplify the tournament’s electric atmosphere.
Ticket scalpers exacerbate the crisis, hoarding tickets and flipping them at up to 10 times face value, a scourge undeterred by current safeguards. Voices from Rabat and beyond call for real-time dynamic pricing or blockchain verification to democratize access. Without swift reforms, Marca warns, empty seats could symbolize a deeper disconnect between Africa’s football heartbeat and its global showcase.
Scalpers blamed for low AFCON attendance
Ticket touts are the unseen villains in Morocco’s 2025 AFCON narrative, gobbling up bulk tickets for resale at predatory prices and fueling the mystery of ghost crowds. Marca’s investigation reveals how brokers exploited sold-out declarations for Morocco’s Mali draw, leaving official figures like 63,844 at Rabat’s massive stadium ringing hollow amid visible vacancies. Supporters like Hisham arrived too late, priced out by markups hitting 10-fold originals.
This black-market frenzy extends to other venues, with Senegal-Botswana in Tangier drawing thin ranks despite paperwork claiming full houses. Moroccan fans report organized rings using bots to dominate sales, a tactic CAF has ignored amid rising complaints. As the tournament stretches to January 21, unchecked scalping threatens to tarnish host Morocco’s ambitions and erode trust in the confederation’s event management.
Fans demand crackdowns like capped purchases per account and AI monitoring, drawing parallels to successful models in European leagues. Until then, the real winners appear to be profiteers, while genuine supporters settle for outside viewing. Addressing this angle could restore faith and pack stands worthy of Africa’s premier football spectacle.
CAF silence fuels fan fury amid AFCON empty seats concerns
The Confederation of African Football faces mounting backlash for its stonewalling on ticketing turmoil at the 2025 AFCON, where sold-out labels clash with barren stadium vistas. Marca highlights zero public response from organizers as fans fume over Morocco’s 1-1 Mali stalemate in Rabat, where 70,000 seats hosted far fewer despite 63,844 on paper. Supporters like Amine Mazraoui blame website failures, while others point to touts inflating costs sky-high.
Similar voids marred Senegal’s Tangier outing against Botswana, prompting questions about inflated stats and accountability. With only Morocco and Algeria matches notionally sold out, the hush from CAF amplifies perceptions of negligence, leaving fans to stream from streets. As Group A heats up toward January 21, this opacity risks overshadowing Morocco’s host spotlight.
Advocates urge transparent audits, fan liaisons, and resale platforms to bridge gaps. History shows responsive governance boosts loyalty, CAF’s reticence could instead spark boycotts or reputational hits. Breaking silence now might salvage the tournament’s inclusive spirit before discontent swells.
Host nation Morocco marred by local fan lockout heartbreak
Hosting the 2025 AFCON was Morocco’s moment to shine, yet local supporters feel cruelly sidelined by ticketing woes that empty their own stadiums. Marca details the heartbreak at Prince Moulay Abdellah, where a 1-1 Group A thriller against Mali drew official crowds of 63,844 but left vast sections eerily quiet. Devoted fans like Amine Mazraoui and Hisham recount website crashes and instant sell-outs, forcing them to cheer from afar.
Touts worsen the plight, reselling at 10x premiums and snatching the joy from host-nation fever. Tangier’s half-filled Senegal-Botswana match mirrors this, questioning if Morocco’s infrastructure bends under its own hype. With the tournament running until January 21, these local snubs undermine the Atlas Lions’ dream run.
Calls grow for Morocco-specific remedies like walk-up sales or community allocations to prioritize nationals. Reviving fan access could ignite the raucous support that defines home advantages in African football. Without it, the kingdom’s showcase risks becoming a tale of untapped passion.
