Africa Cup of Nations: mass panic in Cameroon - eight people die

Created: 2022-01-25 09:54

By: Alexander Kaindl

In Cameroon there has been a terrible mass panic.

© Thierry Noukeu/AP/dpa

A stampede broke out before the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 between Cameroon and Comoros.

Eight people are dead.

Yaoundé - The Africa Cup is in the hot phase, the last tickets for the quarter-finals are currently being played.

Football is out of the question right now after a terrible tragedy in host country Cameroon.

On Monday evening there was a mass panic in the capital Yaoundé.

The sad result: eight dead.

How could such a terrible night come about?

The general conditions are quickly explained: Cameroon, including Bayern star Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, played against the Comoros in the round of 16.

The "Untamable Lions" were big favorites and ultimately won 2-1.

Of course, the fans wanted to support their team live at the Olembé Stadium, officially 60,000 people fit into the arena.

Due to Corona requirements, only 48,000 spectators were ultimately allowed.

Africa Cup of Nations: Stampede in Cameroon kills eight

Before the eagerly awaited round of 16, there was mass panic because apparently more fans than those officially allowed had tried to get into the stadium.

A number of supporters wanted to squeeze through the south entrance, but security officers are said to have already closed the gates because of the large crowd.

So there was no way out.

According to local information, eight fans are now dead and 38 others injured.

The images caused disbelief around the world.

Photos show several people, including children, lying on the ground while others try to help them.

The ministry said the victims were taken away in ambulances "immediately" but "heavy traffic slowed the transport".

The African continental association CAF said it was investigating the situation and trying to get more details about what was happening.

On Tuesday morning, the association wants to hold an emergency meeting with the organizing committee.

Cameroon: mass panic before the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations - stadium security was already an issue

Cameroon has hosted the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time since 1972.

The country in the middle of the continent was supposed to host the tournament in 2019, but was withdrawn from the tournament because of concerns that the stadiums would not be suitable.

Egypt hosted the counterpart to the European Championship back then.

There have been a number of tragedies of this kind in football in the past.

In 2015, 19 people were killed in a stampede in Cairo.

In 2001, 43 people died at Johannesburg's Ellis Park Stadium during a game between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

In October 1996, hosts Guatemala played Costa Rica in a World Cup qualifier, killing 90 people.