AFCON 2021: Death toll rises to 8, several injured in stadium crush
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Chaker Alhadhur, a left-back, started in goal for Comoros after 12 of their players tested positive for Covid-19.

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.

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.