AFCON: Stampede at Cameroon-Comoros game leaves several dead

Spread the love

Crush took place as Cameroon beat Comoros 2-1 in Yaounde. Dozens more were reported to have been injured and were taken to a nearby hospital.

African soccer authorities ‘investigating’ incident

Cameroon's progress at the African Cup of Nations was overshadowed by a stampede outside the stadium that killed at least six people during the host nation's victory over Comoros © Provided by DW Cameroon’s progress at the African Cup of Nations was overshadowed by a stampede outside the stadium that killed at least six people during the host nation’s victory over ComorosAfrican soccer’s governing body, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said that it was aware of an incident.

“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,” it said in a statement posted on Twitter.

Spokesperson for the African Cup of Nations organizing committee, Abel Mbengue said: “There was a crush as can happen when there is a stampede. We are waiting for reliable information on the number of casualties in this tragic incident.”

Local authorities have yet to provide further details on the incident. “We are not in position to give you the total number of casualties,” said local governor, Naseri Paul Biya.

Fifty years since Cameroon hosted AFCON Cup

Cameroon is hosting the competition for the first time in 50 years. The country was stripped of AFCON hosting duties in 2019 over infrastructure concerns.

At the time there were also worries over the safety situation in the country where English speakers had been protesting for months over marginalization by the francophone-dominated administration.

The global pandemic and incomplete building work had also led to doubts over Cameroon’s readiness to host the tournament in 2022, and in December it was not clear whether the country would be ready.

Confirmation that the competition would proceed came on December 21 when CAF president Patrice Motsepe gave it the greenlight.

kb/rt (AP, Reuters)

AFCON: Stampede at Cameroon-Comoros game leaves several dead (msn.com)