The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has postponed the launch of the first phase of ticket sales for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, following a chaotic start that saw its official ticketing platform crash under massive demand.
The initial presale, which opened exclusively to Visa cardholders at noon on September 25, was expected to run until September 27, offering 30% of stadium capacity before tickets were released to the general public. Instead, thousands of eager fans attempting to log in were greeted with an error message:
“Ticketing temporarily unavailable. Due to high demand, all available tickets are currently being purchased. Thank you for your understanding.”
In a statement, CAF explained:
“CAF is working closely with the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and various partners, and will announce a new date for the opening of this first sales phase in due course. CAF apologizes for any inconvenience caused.”
Frustration Among Fans
The ticketing collapse sparked widespread anger across the continent, with many supporters expressing their disappointment on social media. Critics accused CAF of failing to anticipate the high demand, with some recalling similar issues during previous tournaments.
The fiasco has also raised concerns, given that the tournament is now less than 100 days away. CAF has promised to work with the LOC to ensure the “best possible experience for fans” before relaunching the sales process.
AFCON 2025: Zimbabwe’s Involvement
Zimbabwe will be among the 24 teams competing at AFCON 2025 in Morocco, returning to the continental stage after administrative hurdles had threatened their participation in previous editions.
For Zimbabwean fans, the ticketing setback adds further anxiety as they look forward to supporting the Warriors on Moroccan soil. AFCON 2025 represents a crucial opportunity for the Warriors to test themselves against Africa’s best, with hopes of progressing beyond the group stages for the first time in history.
Looking Ahead
CAF had initially planned multiple sales phases, including another Visa-exclusive presale from October 21–23 and a general sale starting November 21. Those timelines may now be adjusted.
Despite the setback, excitement remains high for the tournament, with Morocco preparing to host matches across six cities and nine stadiums. For the Warriors and their supporters, the focus is on ensuring strong backing in the stands once the ticketing process resumes.