Yaoundé (dpa) – The first Africa Cup in Cameroon for 50 years has been overshadowed by a mass panic with several deaths.
As the AP news agency reported on Monday evening, citing regional governor Naseri Paul Biya, at least six people died as a result of the host’s entry into the quarterfinals. There could have been more deaths. “We are not able to give you the total number of victims,” he said. At least 40 people were injured.
The panic before the game against Comoros in the Stade d’Olembé in the capital Yaoundé is said to have been triggered because many people did not come to the stadium. According to witnesses, stewards closed the entrance gates to the stadium. Photos show how several people – including children – are lying on the ground and others are apparently trying to help them.
According to the information, 50,000 people tried to watch Cameroon’s game against Comoros (2-1). 60,000 visitors fit into the stadium, but due to the Corona regulations, only 80 percent of the seats (48,000) were allowed to be filled. Bundesliga professional Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting from FC Bayern Munich also represented Cameroon.
Information about the incident is being collected
The African Football Association (CAF) said it was aware of the incident and was gathering more information. One is in exchange with the government of Cameroon and the local organizing committee. Secretary-General Veron Mosengo-Omba was sent to the hospital to visit the injured.
Cameroon is only hosting the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time since 1972. The country in the middle of the continent was supposed to host the tournament in 2019, but was withdrawn from the tournament because of concerns that the stadiums would not be suitable. Egypt hosted the counterpart to the European Championship back then.