AFCON match: 8 dead, 50 injured in stampede

Uba Group

At least, eight persons were reported dead in a crush at Olembe Stadium during the Round of 16 tie between Cameroon and Comoros in the ongoing African Cup of Nations, on Monday.

In a video that surfaced online, football fans were seen struggling to gain entry into the stadium in the Cameroonian capital, Yaounde.

About 50 people were reportedly injured in the stampede.

BBC reports that “Eight deaths were recorded, two women in their thirties, four men in their thirties, one child, one body taken away by the family.”

Confederation of African Football confirmed the incident in a statement, saying that investigation was ongoing.

“CAF is aware of the incident that took place at Olembe Stadium during the TotalEnergies 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 Yaoundé,” the statement read.