Officials are reporting at least six fatalities
At least six people have reportedly died and dozens hurt in a crush outside the Paul Biya Stadium before Cameroon’s Africa Cup of Nations match against Comoros on Monday.
It is thought that several supporters have been hospitalised, with officials reporting at least six fatalities in what observers described as a ‘stampede’.
Prior to kick off at The Paul Biya Stadium in Olembe, reports claimed that a number of fans were involved in a crush as they attempted to make their way into the ground.
Eye-witness accounts state that the incident occurred near the entrance to the stadium, with reports of up to 40 injuries – including children – as people were crushed as they attempted to enter the ground.
Rob Harris, of the Associated Press, took to social media to report the news, writing: “Tragic news in from Cameroon on @AP of at least 6 people dying after a stampede outside Cameroon’s African Cup of Nations game against Comoros.”
Tragic news in from Cameroon on @AP of at least 6 people dying after a stampede outside Cameroon's African Cup of Nations game against Comoros
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) January 24, 2022
The Associated Press have reported that officials have said at least six people have died in the tragedy.
Comoros – ranked 132nd in the world – were reduced to ten men after just seven minutes when Najdim Abdou was shown red for an unnecessary tackle on Moumi Ngamaleu from behind.
Cameroon eventually took the lead against the minnows, who were forced to field a defender in goal with all three goalkeepers unavailable.
Karl Toko Ekambi converted with ease, before Vincent Aboubakar scored a second with twenty minutes remaining.
Youssouf M’Changmama made it 2-1 with a stunning free-kick with nine minutes remaining, but Cameroon held on to book their spot in Saturday’s quarter final against Gambia.
Related links:
- Comoros score unlikely wondergoal in AFCON defeat to Cameroon
- AFCON debutants Gambia make history by progressing to quarter-finals
- AFCON debutants Comoros eliminate four-time winners Ghana in five-goal thriller
