AFCON 2025 full of heartwarming moments, drama and ticket scams

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is whittled down to eight teams, and already, the tournament has offered immeasurable proof of the transcendent nature of sport and football in particular.

Football has a unique and powerful ability to unite people across cultural, social, and political divides. The Beautiful Game means a lot more than goals and dribbles, and major sporting events like the AFCON demonstrate this perfectly. 

The game’s inherent ability to promote sportsmanship, fair play, and mutual respect never ceases to amaze.

Consider the AFCON’s rain-assisted heartwarming moments. While the wet has affected the flow of games on the one hand, it has also inspired memorable scenes of altruism on the other.

Uganda skipper Khalid Aucho protected this young mascot from the rain with the pennant of Uganda.

During their pregame national anthems, players from Tunisia and Senegal were seen shielding young mascots from the rain by offering them their jackets.

It was a powerful gesture that caught the attention of the watching world, with viewers praising the millionaire superstars for their humanness.

Uganda skipper Khalid Aucho performed the same act of chivalry ahead of the contest with Tunisia, proving that successful footballers are not just overpaid performers detached from the general pulse.

Kylian Mbappe has often been seen as the worst offender among filthy football superstars, but the Real Madrid striker chose to spend part of his holiday season at the AFCON, supporting his former clubmate.  

Mbappe was seen wearing the Moroccan national team jersey bearing the name of Achraf Hakimi during the Morocco-Mali contest. Mbappe’s decision to don a Morocco shirt sent a strong message — not just of friendship, but of brotherhood with his former PSG teammate.

His bond with Hakimi is well known, and this moment was a visible reminder of the strong friendship that exists between the two stars.

France and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe wore the Moroccan national team jersey bearing the name of his former PSG teammate and close friend Moroccan Achraf Hakimi.

By proudly donning Hakimi’s jersey, Mbappe provided proof that sport transcends national allegiances.

A similar illustration of brotherhood, reminiscent of the wave of euphoria that swept the Arab world as Morocco became the first Arab nation to advance to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, has also unfolded.

North African countries have, perhaps not surprisingly, enjoyed the Lion’s share of support outside of the home team.

Egypt played their two Group B matches against Zimbabwe and South Africa at Adrar Stadium in front of packed crowds, largely made up of Moroccans.

Backed by constant chanting that made the Egyptian players feel at home, despite playing away, the Pharaohs were able to dispatch both sides with 1-0 results.

The Egyptian Football Association has since appreciated the Moroccan fans, releasing an official statement that reflected the deep fraternal and historical ties between Egypt and Morocco.

It surely underscored the high sporting spirit and Arab solidarity displayed on African football fields.

Egypt played their group matches against Zimbabwe and South Africa in front of packed crowds, largely made up of Moroccans.

Speaking of fan support, Morocco have gone the extra mile to ensure AFCON matches are not left unattended.

The kingdom, which has been frank about hosting a hugely successful AFCON 2025 tournament, with the goal of making it the “best AFCON in history”, is now allowing supporters in for free after kickoff in matches where stadiums are not full.

The Group F game between Cameroon and Gabon last Wednesday in Agadir kicked off in front of almost empty stands, but the ground filled up significantly over the course of the first half despite incessant rain.

The official attendance was later announced as 35,200 inside a venue that can hold over 45,000.

There have been similar scenes at numerous matches across the opening days of the competition.

The tournament is on track towards registering record ticket sales. But that will not be achieved through hoarding tickets, as has happened in some quarters.

AFCON 2025 has reminded us why football is the Beautiful Game — on and off the pitch.

Moroccan police, determined to fight this vice, have arrested several people involved in reselling tickets for AFCON on the black market.

There have been several security operations that have been carried out in relation to these cases in several Moroccan cities, such as Rabat, Agadir and Marrakesh.

Touts are being blamed for snapping up match tickets they feel are likely to be most popular, sensing an opportunity to sell them on for as much as 10 times the original price.

Reports indicate that tickets priced at MAD 150 have been put on sale for as much as MAD 1,500 on the black market.

Organizers hope that “Yalla” Fan ID application, the technology that was intended to create a closed loop where every ticket is biometrically linked to a specific user’s passport or national ID, can make it more difficult for touts to transfer ticket ownership.

Such offences notwithstanding, AFCON 2025 has reminded us why football is the Beautiful Game — on and off the pitch.