This picture taken on January 25, 2022 at the entrance of Olembe stadium in Yaounde shows barriers on the ground at the scene of the stampede. (Photo by Kenzo TRIBOUILLARD / AFP)
YAOUNDE—At least eight fans died and 38 people were injured in a stampede at the Yaounde Olembe Stadium in Cameroon on Monday before the host nation’s round of 16 game in the Africa Cup of Nations against Comoros, the government said in a statement.
Images shared on social media, which Reuters could not immediately authenticate, showed screaming fans being crushed at an entrance gate.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF), the continent’s football government body, said in a statement that it was investigating.
“CAF is currently investigating the situation and trying to get more details on what transpired. We are in constant communication with Cameroon government and the Local Organizing Committee,” it said.
Following a low turnout in the first round games at brand new stadiums built for the continent’s premier men’s football tournament, Cameroon authorities have thrown open stadium gates, organized mass transport and given out free tickets to lure fans.
Cameroon beat 10-man Comoros Islands 2-1 to advance to the quarterfinals.