Africa Cup of Nations: Six deaths reported following a crush outside of the Paul Biya stadium
- Seb Sternik
- 25 January 2022
At least six people are reported to have died following a stampede which took place before Cameroon’s game with Comoros at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The incident took place outside of the Paul Biya stadium as fans attempted to make their way into the 60,000-capacity ground.
According to the latest reports, at least 40 people have also been left injured by the crush.
A statement from the Confederation of African Football read: "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 the 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 Yaounde."
The stadium, which hosted the tournament's opening ceremony, was built in preparation for the delayed competition, which kicked off earlier this month.
Stadiums have been operating at 80 per cent capacity during the Africa Cup of Nations due to restrictions placed on organisers because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite the tragedy outside of the ground, Cameroon's match with Comoros went ahead as the hosts won 2-1 to book their place in the quarter-final.
