At least eight people have now been confirmed dead and 38 injured in a stampede outside a game at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Cameroon on Monday. Witnesses, as quoted in local media, described chaotic scenes outside the stadium as thousands of fans struggled to get access. At least six people have died and others hospitalized in a stampede outside Olembe Stadium while trying to enter and watch #AFCON2021 last 16 game between Cameroon and Comoros. Officials said around 50,000 people had tried to attend the match, despite a 48,000 limit — The New Times (Sports) (@TimesSportRW) January 25, 2022 The dead include a 14-year-old boy. Olembé Stadium has a capacity of 60,000 but it was not meant to be more than 80% full for the game because of Covid restrictions. Paul Biya, the Cameroonian President, has ordered an investigation into the crush and sent his ‘deepest condolences’ to the families of victims. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) also announced it would conduct its own investigation. Despite the incident, the match between Cameroon and Comoros went ahead and ended 2-1 in favour of the hosts, who will now face Gambia in quarter-finals.
