The contrast is striking. Almost empty at the kick-off of the match between Egypt and Zimbabwe, played Monday evening on the occasion of the first day of group B of the African Football Cup of Nations (CAN 2025), the Agadir stadium in Morocco filled up as the match progressed to finish at full capacity. And festive!
A craze which can be explained by a late but welcome initiative from the organizers. Faced with empty seats and the disastrous image for the competition of an empty stadium, they decided to open the stadium doors free of charge to spectators. According to several testimonies from supporters on social networks, the information spread quickly in the city.
In a few minutes thousands of supporters crowded in good humor in front of the stadium gates to fill the stands copiously. At least 30,000 people witnessed the Pharaons’ victory at the finish thanks to a goal from the inevitable Mohamed Salah!
It remains to be seen whether the organizers will reproduce this gratuity – which has brought joy to many supporters – for other posters of the competition.
