AI-Summary – News For Tomorrow
Morocco’s AFCON organizers are implementing a strategy to inflate stadium attendance numbers, particularly during matches in Agadir. The Cameroon-Gabon game saw a reported 35,200 attendees despite initially empty stands, mirroring a similar situation in the Egypt-Zimbabwe match, officially listed at 28,199. This tactic, dubbed the “AFCON of the People,” aims to boost the image of the event. However, late arrivals caused crowd control issues. These strategies highlight Morocco’s challenges in achieving both sporting success and delivering a flawless tournament, crucial as they prepare to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
News summary provided by Gemini AI.
The measure was notably applied on Wednesday evening at Agadir’s Grand Stade, which holds 45,000 spectators, during the Cameroon-Gabon match.
At team warm-ups, the stands were nearly empty. Despite persistent rain in the coastal city, attendance gradually rose during the first half, ultimately reaching 35,200 spectators.
A similar scenario occurred earlier in the week during Egypt’s 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe at the same venue.
National anthems were played in front of sparse crowds, yet the official attendance eventually reached 28,199.
The late arrival of spectators sometimes caused localized crowd control challenges for stadium staff.
Other matches, including DR Congo-Benin and Tunisia-Uganda, also applied the measure and generated significant attention on social media under the slogan “AFCON of the People.”
Ticketing and stadium attendance remain key challenges for Morocco’s AFCON organizers.
The country has set the dual goal to win a continental title that has eluded it for 50 years and to deliver a flawless event ahead of its co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
