AFCON stampede leaves fans hospitalised and children crushed in stadium chaos

The incident occurred in the build-up to Cameroon’s last-16 Africa Cup of Nations contest with minnows Comoros, with several eye witnesses reporting there was a stampede

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Chaotic scenes outside the Olembe Stadium in Cameroon

A number of supporters have been hospitalised, with unofficial reports citing multiple fatalities following what observers described as a “stampede” prior to Cameroon’s Africa Cup of Nations clash with Comoros.

The hosts are looking to book their place in the quarter final with a win over minnows Comoros, who are the lowest ranked side to qualify through the group stages.

However, prior to kick off at The Paul Biya Stadium in Olembe, reports have surfaced suggesting fans were involved in a crush as they attempted to make their way into the stadium.

The 60,000 capacity stadium, which hosted the tournament’s opening ceremony was built in preparation for the delayed tournament, which kicked off earlier this month.

Several eye-witness accounts claim the incident occurred by the entrance to the stadium, with reports of up to 40 injuries, including children that were crushed in the fracas.

News outlet LSI Africa have claimed that there at least seven fatalities according to an unofficial report, with injured victims transported to the nearby Messassi Hospital.

The match did kick off on time with 132nd in the world Comoros reduced to ten men after just seven minutes.

Najdim Abdou was dismissed in the opening exchanges after stomping on Moumi Ngamaleu’s ankle from behind.

Cameroon then took the lead shortly before the half-hour mark, with Karl Toko Ekambi putting them in front.

Comoros had the worst possible preparation for the game, as they take on the Indomitable Lions without an established goalkeeper.

A Covid-19 outbreak in the Comoros camp saw all three keepers ruled out with left-back Chaker Alhadur forced to go in between the sticks.