Newsdeck

Africa Cup of Nations

Cameroon stadium stampede kills at least eight, government says

Fans react while watching a broadcast of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations soccer match between Ivory Coast and Algeria, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, 20 January 2022. EPA-EFE/LEGNAN KOULA
By Reuters
25 Jan 2022
0

YAOUNDE, Jan 24 (Reuters) - At least eight fans died and 38 people were injured in a stampede at the Yaounde Olembe Stadium in Cameroon on Monday before the host nation's round of 16 game in the Africa Cup of Nations against Comoros, the government said in a statement.

Images shared on social media, which Reuters could not immediately authenticate, showed screaming fans being crushed at an entrance gate.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), the continent’s soccer government body, said in a statement that it was investigating.

“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 Organising Committee,” it said.

Following a low turnout in the first round games at brand new stadiums built for the continent’s premier men’s soccer tournament, Cameroon authorities have thrown open stadium gates, organised mass transport and given out free tickets to lure fans.

Cameroon beat 10-man Comoros Islands 2-1 to advance to the quarter-finals.

(Reporting by Josiane Kouagheu; writing by Bate Felix; editing by Richard Pullin and Nick Macfie)

Gallery

Comments - Please in order to comment.

Top Reads This Hour

What is known about Erf 15098, Victoria Street in George, the site of the deadly building collapse
Maverick News

What is known about Erf 15098, Victoria Street in George, the site of the deadly building collapse
Drinking apple cider vinegar may help with weight loss but its health benefits are overstated
Maverick Life

Drinking apple cider vinegar may help with weight loss but its health benefits are overstated
ActionSA Gauteng premier candidate and youth leader found safe after hijacking
South Africa

ActionSA Gauteng premier candidate and youth leader found safe after hijacking
Eastern Cape conservationist discovers eight new snake, gecko and frog species in the Okavango
DM168

Eastern Cape conservationist discovers eight new snake, gecko and frog species in the Okavango
West Coast mineral extraction raking in trillions of rands while communities endure rising poverty
Business Maverick

West Coast mineral extraction raking in trillions of rands while communities endure rising poverty

TOP READS IN SECTION

Gaza ceasefire uncertain, Israel vows to continue Rafah operation
Newsdeck

Gaza ceasefire uncertain, Israel vows to continue Rafah operation
Russia warns Britain it could strike back after Cameron remark on Ukraine
Newsdeck

Russia warns Britain it could strike back after Cameron remark on Ukraine
I have a picture for you! 27 April- 03 May 2024
Newsdeck

I have a picture for you! 27 April- 03 May 2024
Harvard, MIT Threaten Punishment for Protesters in Ultimatum
Newsdeck

Harvard, MIT Threaten Punishment for Protesters in Ultimatum
S&P 500 Is Now on Track for Biggest Run This Year: Markets Wrap
Newsdeck

S&P 500 Is Now on Track for Biggest Run This Year: Markets Wrap

Investigations

News & Analysis

Features

Newsletters

Community

DM168

Daily Maverick © All rights reserved

Please peer review 3 community comments before your comment can be posted

Daily Maverick needs your support

We're not asking you to pay for every article you read. We're asking you to support us so that we can keep doing what South Africa needs us to do. Without the support of our readers, we won't be able to keep going.

If you really can't afford the price of an extra cup of coffee a week, then know this: we will never force you to pay. We'e got your back and one day, you'll have ours.

SUPPORT DAILY MAVERICK
Become a Maverick Insider

We would like our readers to start paying for Daily Maverick...

…but we are not going to force you to. Over 10 million users come to us each month for the news. We have not put it behind a paywall because the truth should not be a luxury.

Instead we ask our readers who can afford to contribute, even a small amount each month, to do so.

If you appreciate it and want to see us keep going then please consider contributing whatever you can.

Support Daily Maverick→
Payment options
Premier Debate: Gauten Edition Banner

Gauteng! Brace yourselves for The Premier Debate!

How will elected officials deal with Gauteng’s myriad problems of crime, unemployment, water supply, infrastructure collapse and potentially working in a coalition?

Come find out at the inaugural Daily Maverick Debate where Stephen Grootes will hold no punches in putting the hard questions to Gauteng’s premier candidates, on 9 May 2024 at The Forum at The Campus, Bryanston.