Six people have been reported to have died while at least 40 people were injured in a stampede outside the Paul Biya Stadium in Yaounde this evening.
According to AFP, six people have been pronounced dead while several others were rushed to hospital after fans flocked to watch Cameroon against Comoros in the last-16 tie on Monday evening.
With only 50,000 (80%) of the stadiums capacity allowed to attend due to Covid-19 protocols, it’s been reported that several thousand tried to force entry into the iconic venue.
According to the report, at least 40 others were injured with some in ‘desperate’ condition while the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed they are aware of what transpired.
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 Indomitable Lions went on to win the game 2-1 in a memorable encounter which saw the lowest-ranked team in the competition (132nd) Comoros put on a courageous showing with ten men for 80 minutes and with an outfield player in goal from the first whistle due to injury and Covid-19 cases within the camp.
