Seven fans dead following stampede outside Cameroon stadium ahead of AFCON game | Football | Sport

At least seven supporters have died and many more were injured following a stampede ahead of Cameroon’s last-16 game against Comoros in the Africa Cup of Nations. The game was taking place at the Paul Biya Stadium in the Olembe neighbourhood of Yaounde.

Cameroon were taking on minnows Comoros as they host this year’s version of the prestigious AFCON tournament.

But there were horrific scenes as videos on social media showed some fans storming the gates ahead of kick-off.

Humanitarian Purpose sent a tweet showing pictures of the incident and wrote: “Five possibly killed and around 40 hospitalized after stampede outside Paul Biya Stadium during Africa Cup of Nations game.”

And it was later confirmed by Associated Press that at least seven people had tragically lost their lives.

Pictures showed some stricken fans lying on the floor following the crush.

And video footage captured hundreds of people rushing through the gates trying to break in to watch the game.

Despite the chaotic scenes, the match went ahead without delay, and Cameroon went 1-0 up in the first-half through a Karl Toko Ekambi goal.

It came after Comoros captain Jimmy Abdou was sent off for a late challenge after just seven minutes. 

In the second half Cameroon doubled their lead through Vincent Aboubakar, and although Comoros pulled one back through a stunning Youssouf M’Changama free-kick the match ended 2-1.

Comoros were already playing in difficult circumstances, with their usual left-back Chaker Alhadhur having to play in goal.

This is because their No.1 Ali Ahamada had tested positive for Covid, and despite providing a negative test this morning, rules stated that he still had to remain in quarantine.

Comoros’ two back-up keepers were also out, with Salim Ben Boina suffering with a shoulder injury and Moyadh Ousseini also testing positive.

Team manager El Hadad Himini had said: “If the tests go well, we will await the findings of the medical commission to see if they can play or not.

“We hope they will grant us our rights, just as they did with the other teams. We are waiting now and we hope everything will be better for us.”