The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially debunked widespread reports suggesting the implementation of a free-entry policy for the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Recent rumors claimed that the tournament’s governing body, in collaboration with the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), had authorized open gates at various venues to address concerns over sparse attendance.
While matches featuring the host nation, Morocco, have consistently attracted massive crowds, several other fixtures across the host cities have seen significantly lower spectator numbers. Despite these visual challenges, CAF clarified that all spectators must possess a valid ticket for entry, affirming that sales will remain active through the final match of the competition.
The tournament schedule remains intensive, with four high-profile matches set to take place this Saturday, December 27, 2025. The spotlight falls heavily on the Group C blockbuster between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
Both teams enter this fixture following successful opening performances; Nigeria secured a 2-1 win over Tanzania, while Tunisia currently leads the group after a dominant 3-1 victory against Uganda. This evening’s result could determine which side clinches an early spot in the Round of 16, adding substantial stakes to the encounter.
Beyond the Nigeria-Tunisia matchup, Saturday’s roster includes a critical West African duel between Benin and Botswana in Rabat, followed by a high-octane clash between Senegal and DR Congo in Tangier. The day’s action also features an East African derby as Uganda takes on Tanzania, with both sides desperate for points after their Matchday 1 defeats. Organizers expect a surge in fan activity as the group stage reaches this decisive phase, and they continue to urge supporters to utilize the official digital platforms to secure their seats for the remaining fixtures in Morocco.
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