AFCON officials permitting free entry for supporters to boost attendance in sparse venues: insider

Officials running the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco are granting free access to fans after matches begin when crowds are low, according to a source from the Confederation of African Football who spoke to AFP.

During Wednesdays Group F clash between Cameroon and Gabon at Agadir, the stadium started nearly deserted but saw a notable increase in spectators during the initial period, regardless of the steady downpour.

Authorities reported an eventual turnout of 35,200 in a facility capable of accommodating more than 45,000 people.

Comparable situations have occurred at various fixtures in the tournaments early stages, sometimes causing uncertainty regarding the reported crowd numbers.

For Tuesdays Group D match featuring the Democratic Republic of Congo against Benin at Rabats Al Medina Stadium, which gradually packed with people as the game progressed, the initial figure given was 6,703, only to be revised upwards to 13,073.

The CAF insider explained that event coordinators, with approval from the continents football authority, unlock the gates about 20 minutes after start time to let waiting supporters inside at no charge.

Ensuring packed venues remains a priority for the Morocco hosted Cup of Nations team, as a well executed event supports preparations for the 2030 World Cup shared by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal.

On Thursdays CAF ticketing site, availability appeared for nearly every leftover group stage fixture, with entry fees beginning at 100 dirhams ($10.96).

Sold out listings covered only Moroccos home fixtures versus Mali on Friday and Zambia on Monday, plus Algerias meetings with Burkina Faso on Sunday and Equatorial Guinea the following Wednesday.