Moroccan supporters express their discontent as empty seats are observed in sold-out stadiums during the Africa Cup.

Moroccan supporters express their discontent as empty seats are observed in sold-out stadiums during the Africa Cup.

Empty seats in sold-out stadiums. Prices on the black market are exorbitant.

Moroccan soccer enthusiasts, particularly, are expressing their frustration during the Africa Cup of Nations as many are unable to secure tickets for their own team's matches.

Morocco and its neighboring country, Algeria, were the only teams whose group-stage tickets completely sold out. However, once again on Friday, there were vacant seats during the host nation's match against Mali at the nearly 70,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

"I attempted to access the (ticketing) website early, but regrettably, many individuals logged in simultaneously, and I was unable to secure a spot. It was entirely booked," stated Morocco supporter Amin Mazraoui, who was waiting outside the stadium prior to kickoff.

Another fan, Hicham, encountered a similar situation, trying the official ticket portal but discovering that every game was sold out almost immediately after he began searching. He planned to watch the match from home. The official attendance for Friday's game was reported as 63,844 – surpassing the number of attendees at the opening game and ceremony held in the same stadium.

Scalpers are being held responsible for purchasing tickets to matches they believe will be the most sought after, recognizing an opportunity to resell them for as much as ten times their original price. Reports indicated that tickets priced at 50 euros ($59) were being offered for 500 euros ($590). "There are individuals connecting with 10 computers, perhaps 15 computers simultaneously, and acquiring numerous tickets, so it is due to them that we were unable to secure any seats," Mazraoui informed The Associated Press.

However, all supporters (and journalists) must present identification through a local application called Yalla to gain entry to the stadiums, and it appears that these additional measures are complicating the process for scalpers to transfer ticket ownership.

One fan, who only identified himself as Khalid, was fortunate and mentioned that he paid 100 Moroccan dirhams ($11) for his ticket to the game. In comparison to nearby Europe, the starting prices are significantly lower, while there is no comparison to the asking prices for the 2026 World Cup.

On Wednesday, merely 16,115 spectators attended Algeria’s match against Sudan at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, which has a capacity of 22,000 and had been sold out well in advance.

Some supporters lingered outside after receiving reports that they would be permitted entry for free, subsequently rushing the gates in a bid to enter once the match commenced. Security personnel at various other stadiums have permitted free admission after the kickoff to boost attendance.

"They will not open the gates for Morocco," Mazraoui remarked.

The attendance figure for Congo’s game against Benin at the Stade El Barid in Rabat, which holds 18,000, was revised from 6,000 to 13,000.

Other matches have experienced minimal variation, with heavy rainfall also deterring local fans from attending.

The Grand Stade de Tanger in Tangier, which accommodates 68,000, appeared largely vacant on Tuesday during Senegal’s match against Botswana, despite an attendance of 18,500.

The Confederation of African Football, the governing body, did not reply to a request for comment.