Stampede at AFCON 2021 Cameroon-Comoros Game Leaves Several Injured And Reportedly dead

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) knockout game between hosts Cameroon and Comoros on January 24, 2022 turned into a tragedy for some after fans scrambled and forcefully tried to gain access to the Yaounde Olembe Stadium through one of the entrances as the game approached halftime, resulting in a mass stampede that has left several injured and at least 6 dead.

A FIRST IN AFCON HISTORY Such incident had never happened in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations, which is now being hosted by five-time African champions Cameroon in its 33rd edition. The security personnel from Cameroon and other partners of CAF have now intensified all safety-related measures at all the six host venues of the tournament in order to prevent such incidents from happening again. 

STADIUM LIMIT AT 80% Officialssay that over 50,000 people tried to attend the match in the 60,000-capacity stadium, which is limited to 60% capacity –  80% when team Cameroon is playing – due to the coronavirus; meaning a total capacity of 48,000 were allowed at 80%, leaving over 2000 people outside the Olembe Stadium gates. Many people were left in a queue after stadium stewards closed the gates because it had reached its capacity limit, that was when some fans decided to break in. Other images online show fans climbing over fences and people being trampled on while unconscious on the ground. 

CAF STATEMENT “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.”