A number of supporters have been hospitalised, with officials reporting at least six fatalities following what observers described as a “stampede” prior to Cameroon’s Africa Cup of Nations clash with Comoros.
The incident occurred in the build-up to Cameroon’s last-16 Africa Cup of Nations contest with minnows Comoros, with several eye witnesses reporting that there was a stampede at the stadium.
The hosts were looking to book their place in the quarter final with a win over minnows Comoros, who are the lowest ranked side to qualify through the group stages.
However, prior to kick off at The Paul Biya Stadium in Olembe, reports have surfaced suggesting that fans were involved in a crush as they attempted to make their way into the stadium.
The 60,000 capacity stadium, which hosted the tournament’s opening ceremony was built in preparation for the delayed tournament, which kicked off earlier this month.
Several eye-witness accounts claim the incident occurred by the entrance to the stadium, with reports of up to 40 injuries, including children that were crushed in the fracas.
The Associated Press have reported that officials have said at least six people have died in the tragedy.
CAF have since released a statement, which read: “CAF is aware of the incident that took place at Olembe Stadium during the Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations fixture between hosts Cameroon and Comoros tonight, 24 January 2022.
“CAF is currently investigating the situation and trying to get more details on what transpired. We are in constant communication with Cameroon government and the Local Organizing Committee.
“Tonight, the CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe sent the General Secretary, Veron Mosengo-Omba to visit the supporters in hospital in Yaounde.”
Also read: AFCON trophy arrives Cameroon
Fans still forced their way into the stadium despite the chaos outside, the match did kick off on time with 132nd in the world Comoros reduced to ten men after just seven minutes.
Najdim Abdou was dismissed in the opening exchanges after stepping on Moumi Ngamaleu’s ankle from behind.
Cameroon then took the lead shortly before the half-hour mark, with Karl Toko Ekambi putting them in front, while Vincent Aboubakar scored the second with twenty minutes remaining.
Youssouf M’Changmama then reduced the tally with nine minutes to go, but Cameroon held on to book their spot in Saturday’s quarter finals against Gambia.
Comoros had the worst possible preparation for the game, as they took on the Indomitable Lions without an established goalkeeper.
A Covid-19 outbreak in the Comoros camp saw all three keepers ruled out with left-back Chaker Alhadur forced to go in between the sticks.
Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe
