Football is played on grass, but it is experienced in the stands. As we enter the Round of 16 today, the story of the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 isn't just about the goals scored by Victor Osimhen or Brahim Díaz; it is about the seismic levels of noise shaking the foundations of the Kingdom’s stadiums.
This tournament has been unique. The geographic location of Morocco—accessible by road from the south and by short flights from Europe—has created a melting pot of global support. We have seen "invasions" from neighboring nations and massive mobilizations from the African diaspora in Europe.
So, beyond the hosts, who has won the battle of the stands? Here is our analysis of the "12th Man" at AFCON 2025.
1. The Undisputed Kings: Morocco (The Atlas Lions)
The Numbers: Overwhelming. The Vibe: Intimidation and Passion.
It goes without saying that the host nation has the largest following. But it isn't just the quantity of Moroccan fans; it's the quality of the noise.
Drawing heavily from the fervent "Ultras" culture of club giants Raja and Wydad Casablanca, the national team support has transformed the Stade Mohamed V and the Stade Moulay Abdellah into cauldrons of red smoke and deafening whistles. When the opposition touches the ball, the sound is piercing. When Morocco attacks, the famous "Sir! Sir!" (Go! Go!) chant creates a rhythmic pressure that seems to suck the ball into the net.
For Guinea, facing this "Red Wall" in Casablanca tonight (Jan 3) is arguably the toughest psychological test in world football right now.
2. The Northern Neighbors: Algeria and Tunisia
The Numbers: High (tens of thousands). The Vibe: Intense rivalry and pride.
Despite the political rivalries that exist in the Maghreb, the footballing bond remains strong. Algeria has brought a massive traveling army across the border and via flights. The "Fennecs" fans are renowned for their intensity. In their group games in Marrakech, the chant of "One, Two, Three, Viva L'Algérie" was so loud it was picked up by seismometers. They treat every match like a home game, and their sheer volume rivals that of the hosts.
Similarly, Tunisia is a short flight away. The "Carthage Eagles" have turned their venues into a sea of red and white, providing a critical boost to a team that often relies on gritty, defensive resilience.
3. The "12th Gaindé": Senegal
The Numbers: Significant. The Vibe: The heartbeat of the tournament.
If you award a trophy for the "Best Atmosphere," it goes to Senegal. While they may not have the raw numbers of the North African nations, the "12th Gaindé" (12th Player) is the most organized, rhythmic, and joyful supporters' group on the continent.
They don't just cheer; they perform. With a synchronized band of drummers, dancers, and conductors, the Senegalese section never stops moving—even at halftime, even when losing. Their presence in Fez and Rabat has been a cultural highlight, turning the stands into a non-stop party of green, yellow, and red.
4. The "Diaspora Effect": Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and DRC
The Numbers: Surprisingly high. The Vibe: European flair meets African passion.
This is the "European" AFCON. Because Morocco is a short, affordable flight from London, Paris, Brussels, and Madrid, the massive West African diaspora has flooded in.
Nigeria: The Super Eagles usually struggle for traveling support in sub-Saharan tournaments due to logistics. In Morocco, however, thousands of Nigerians residing in the UK and Europe have descended on the country. The "Naija Spirit" is alive and well, with brass bands and Afrobeats blasting from the stands.
Ivory Coast & DR Congo: Similarly, the large Francophone diaspora has turned out in force, making teams like the Leopards (DRC) feel like they are playing in Kinshasa via Paris.
5. The Surprise Package: Mauritania
The Numbers: The dark horse of the stands. The Vibe: Neighbors supporting neighbors.
Mauritania shares a border with Morocco to the south, and the "Mourabitounes" have taken full advantage. Convoys of cars and buses have made the journey north to Agadir and Marrakech. For a nation with a smaller population, their per-capita presence in the stadiums has been incredible, providing a stunning backdrop to their underdog story.
Conclusion: The Volume War
As we head into the knockouts, the rankings for fan support look like this:
Morocco (The Hosts - Unmatched volume)
Algeria (The Neighbors - Massive numbers)
Senegal (The Soul - Best rhythm and color)
Nigeria (The Diaspora - Largest turnout from Europe)
Goals win games, but fans win moments. In Morocco 2025, the stands are undefeated.