Hosts of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco have begun permitting free access to stadiums shortly after matches begin to address sparse crowds, according to a source from the Confederation of African Football.
The measure aims to boost attendance figures amid concerns over empty seats during the tournament’s early stages, with organisers hoping to project a vibrant image ahead of Morocco’s co-hosting of the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
During Wednesday’s Group F clash between Cameroon and Gabon at Agadir’s Adrar Stadium, the game started before largely vacant stands amid heavy rain, but spectators swelled noticeably in the first half.
The announced crowd reached 35,200 in a venue capable of holding over 45,000.
A similar pattern emerged in Tuesday’s Group D fixture pitting the Democratic Republic of Congo against Benin at Rabat’s Al Medina Stadium, where the initial attendance of 6,703 was later adjusted upward to 13,073 as more fans arrived.
The CAF source explained to AFP that, with the governing body’s approval, gates are being opened about 20 minutes into games, enabling those waiting outside to enter at no cost.
Ensuring packed venues is crucial for the event’s success, the source indicated, as Morocco seeks to demonstrate its readiness for global football spectacles.
Tickets remain on sale via CAF’s platform for most group-stage encounters, starting at 100 dirhams (around $11), though Morocco’s upcoming matches against Mali on Friday and Zambia on Monday, plus Algeria’s games versus Burkina Faso on Sunday and Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday, are fully booked.
