MDP Live - As reported by Independet.co.uk, this incident began when Cameroonian national team fans scrambled to enter the Paul Biya stadium, Olembe, which was the location of the match. The Cameroon Football Association (CAF) is still investigating the chronology of the incident and seeking information from the local committee.
"We are in constant communication with the Cameroonian government and the Local Organizing Committee. Tonight (Tuesday 24/1/2022), CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe also sent the Secretary General, Veron Mosengo-Omba to visit fans at the hospital in Yaounde," the statement read. official CAF.
All the victims were spectators who wanted to see the action of the Cameroon national team. No officials were injured in the incident. Most of the victims are now being treated at Yaounde hospital.
As reported by Goal, the death toll was initially reported as six people. But Cameroon's government later said the number had risen to eight.
"The initial conclusion from the riot was that 8 people died and 38 were injured, 31 of them with minor injuries and 7 seriously," Cameroon's Ministry of Transportation said in a statement.
While there was no official confirmation of any casualties as of Tuesday morning, world football's governing body FIFA issued a statement regarding the incident.
"FIFA extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives following the tragic incident that occurred at the Olembe Stadium during the Africa Cup of Nations match between Cameroon and the Comoros," the statement said.
"The thoughts and prayers of the global football community are with the victims, those injured and all staff of CAF and the Cameroon Football Association (FECAFOOT) at this difficult time."
Paul Biya, Olembe, is a new stadium built to host the 2022 AFF Cup. Although it has a capacity of 60 thousand spectators, the stadium can only be filled 80 percent due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the Cameroon national team finally managed to advance to the quarter-finals of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating the Comoros with a score of 2-1. In this duel, two Cameroonian goals were scored by Karl Toko Ekambi (29') and Vincent Aboubakar (70'). Meanwhile, Comoros' reply was scored by Youssouf M'Changama (81'). In the next round, Cameroon will meet the Gambia national team.
