CAN 2025: Chaotic scenes outside the Fennecs’ hotel, comfortable victory on the pitch

The tensions erupted in the early afternoon in front of the Marriott hotel in the capital, the residence of the Algerian national team. Alerted by rumors on social media announcing a ticket distribution by the Federation, dozens of fans without tickets flocked to the site. The situation quickly deteriorated: videos show scenes of jostling where tickets were thrown into the crowd, causing scuffles and the indignation of some fans crying "shame". The Moroccan security forces had to intervene to restore calm and disperse the crowd.

This disorder comes against the backdrop of a ticketing imbroglio. While the match was listed as "sold out" on the CAF’s official website, the Prince Moulay Hassan stadium was nevertheless empty at kick-off, a situation that exasperated the supporters fearing the grip of the black market.

On the green rectangle, Algeria, however, managed to forget these logistical glitches. For the first time in six years in this competition, the Greens won their opening match. Carried by a brace from their captain Riyad Mahrez, they won comfortably against Sudan (3-0), taking the lead in their group on equal points with Burkina Faso.

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