Enthusiastic fans eager to attend matches at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are facing disappointment as stadiums remain half-empty due to persistent ticketing problems. Although tournament organizers acknowledged initial issues during the opening match on Wednesday, they have yet to resolve the ongoing challenges hindering fans from accessing other matches.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) addressed the concerns in a press release, acknowledging printing issues during the initial days of the CAN due to last-minute bulk purchases of physical tickets. CAF asserted that the ticketing system has been adapted to accommodate such requests and is now “working well,” with over 60% of tickets sold through its online platform internationally.

The 2023 Africa Cup Organizing Committee (COCAN) explained that empty seats during Ivory Coast’s match against Guinea-Bissau were attributed to “dead seats,” characterized by reduced visibility or safety concerns. Adjusting for these seats, the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, with a 60,000-seat capacity, would have a useful capacity of 50,786 seats. However, reported attendance for the opening match was 36,858, despite previous announcements of a sold-out status.

Subsequent matches at the same stadium, featuring Nigeria against Equatorial Guinea, witnessed fewer than 10,000 fans in attendance, with empty seats also observed at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan during matches between Egypt and Mozambique, and Ghana and Cape Verde.

In Yamoussoukro on Monday, Cameroonian and Guinean supporters expressed fury over their inability to access matches despite available seats. Ivory Coast Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé assured on Monday that he would personally address the issue, promising results within 48 hours.

CAF confirmed its responsibility for ticket sales on Wednesday and, in collaboration with COCAN, encouraged local fans to explore the option of purchasing physical tickets at one of the 51 outlets in Ivory Coast.