Africa Cup Final Falls Short on Accessibility Promise as Haptic Tech Absent for Blind Supporters

The Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal will take place Sunday before nearly 70,000 supporters, but innovative haptic technology designed to help visually impaired fans experience the match won't be available. This comes despite earlier promises about inclusivity at the tournament.

The cutting-edge touch technology was only made accessible at three of the tournament's 52 matches, raising serious questions about the organizers' commitment to disability accommodation as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Revolutionary Technology Reaches Only a Handful

French company Touch2See developed remarkable haptic devices featuring a football pitch-shaped tablet with a magnetic cursor that follows the ball's movement in real time. Mohammed El Hachimi, a visually impaired computer science instructor, experienced the technology during a group stage fixture and described it as "extraordinary."

"I felt like I could see the ball," El Hachimi shared with media. Fellow users echoed his sentiment, saying the experience was unforgettable. However, only approximately 15 blind supporters had access to these devices at each of the three matches where they were deployed.

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe pledged ongoing improvements to facilities for disabled supporters. Yet when asked for concrete details about future implementation, CAF provided no response to repeated inquiries.

Concerns Beyond Match Day

Disability rights advocate Idir Ouguindi expressed skepticism about the inclusivity initiatives. "Many measures are presented as inclusive, but when we examine their specifics, they're generally symbolic gestures created for optics and public relations," he stated frankly.

The timing is particularly significant as Morocco showcases its modern infrastructure and accessibility commitments ahead of co-hosting the 2030 World Cup. The absence of this technology at their own continental championship final raises legitimate concerns about future tournament preparations.

El Hachimi hoped to attend the final but won't have access to the assistive technology. "This final, with the national team competing, should have featured better representation of blind supporters," he noted. "It would have been meaningful for us to participate in such a significant moment."

Logistical complexities exist—each visually impaired supporter requires an accompanying companion. Nevertheless, Touch2See's CEO confirmed that no discussions have occurred regarding implementing the technology for Morocco's domestic league or the 2030 World Cup.

While this won't impact the on-pitch action for those backing Morocco, it does prompt questions about the nation's preparedness for hosting major international tournaments and whether infrastructure claims align with actual delivery.