By SUNTV Global Channel | December 25, 2025
Morocco’s hosting of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has come under fresh scrutiny after organisers were forced to open stadium gates to the public mid-match in an apparent effort to conceal embarrassingly low attendances at several games.
SUNTV Global Channel reports that amid growing concerns over half-empty stadiums across host cities, Moroccan organisers — with the approval of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) — allowed fans to enter venues for free after kick-off to boost crowd numbers and improve optics.
A senior CAF official, who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the decision was jointly sanctioned by CAF and local organisers following repeated scenes of sparse crowds during the tournament’s opening fixtures.
On Wednesday, the Group F encounter between Cameroon and Gabon at the 45,000-capacity Agadir Stadium kicked off before near-deserted stands. However, under heavy rainfall, thousands of spectators were later allowed into the stadium without tickets midway through the first half. By full time, organisers announced an attendance of 35,200.
Similar confusion was recorded a day earlier in Rabat during the Group D clash between DR Congo and Benin. Initial attendance figures of 6,703 were later revised upward to 13,073 after the stadium filled up suddenly — largely with unpaid spectators.
“About 20 minutes into matches, gates are opened to allow people waiting outside to enter without paying,” the CAF source disclosed, confirming that the measure was intended to avoid the visual embarrassment of empty stands.
The development has raised serious questions about Morocco’s preparedness and organisational credibility, particularly as the North African nation positions itself on the global stage ahead of co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
Critics argue that prioritising optics over transparency undermines the integrity of the tournament, while casting doubt on the accuracy of official attendance figures released by organisers.
Despite low turnout, tickets for most group-stage matches remain on sale via CAF’s official ticketing platform, with prices starting from 100 Moroccan dirhams (approximately ₦17,000). Only a limited number of games — including Morocco’s clashes against Mali and Zambia, as well as two of Algeria’s fixtures — are listed as sold out.
As AFCON 2025 progresses, concerns continue to mount over potential revenue losses, crowd management, and the overall credibility of one of Africa’s biggest sporting events.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor and report developments from AFCON 2025.
