AFCON: 8 Confirmed Dead, 58 Hospitalized After Deadly Stampede.
– No AFCON postponement despite deadly stadium stampede – CAF.
The death toll in the stampede before the Cameroon and the Comoros match at the AFCON in Cameroon has risen to eight (8) people, Dez Mayorz Media gathered.
Two children, aged six and 14, are among the dead. Officials said about 50,000 people tried to attend the match.
The stadium has a capacity of 60,000 but it was not meant to be more than 80% full for the game because of Covid restrictions.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes outside the ground as thousands of fans struggled to get access.
Cameroonian
President Paul Biya ordered an investigation into the “tragic incident”. The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has also launched its own investigation.
AFCON refused to be postponed.
The head of African football Dr Patrice Motsepe has also given some clarity on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, before a hearing on Wednesday
The Confederation of African Football have rejected suggestions that the Africa Cup of Nations should be cancelled or postponed in light of Monday’s deadly stadium stampede at the Stade d’Olembe which cost eight lives in the capital of Yaounde, and have insisted that the tournament can be a force for healing in Cameroon.
A further 58 people were taken to hospital with injuries — seven in a critical state — during the Round of 16 meeting between the hosts and Comoros when a barrier collapsed and supporters were trampled by fans behind them attempting to enter the stadium.
Dez Mayorz earlier reported that five have died after Ambazonia forces attacked the town of Buea because of AFCON matches being played in Limbe.
Ambazonia forces are doing everything to boycott the AFCON matches in their territory.
In light of the tragedy, Caf President Dr Patrice Motsepe has given some clarity on the circumstances surrounding the disaster, and outlined his belief that football can still have a positive impact in the Central African country.
In light of the tragedy, Caf President Dr Patrice Motsepe has given some clarity on the circumstances surrounding the disaster, and outlined his belief that football can still have a positive impact in the Central African country.
“The issue was whether we should postpone [Tuesday’s] matches, and it’s an important question,” he told journalists. “From my side, I cannot just consult, but also listen to the guidance of various stakeholders.
“The conclusion was that we should observe a moment of silence, and with regards to [Tuesday’s] matches, it was an issue to discuss and consider.
“However, it’s incredible how, even among those who are injured, two said to me that they can’t wait to get out of hospital and go to the stadium.
“I’ve seen the passion, the absolute passion of the people of Cameroon and their love for football; it brings people together, and the passion for football in this country is entrenched and deep-rooted.”
“As part of this hearing, we want to know who closed it and who is responsible, because we mustn’t compromise in our insistence to have appropriate measures which are the best in the world.
“There may be unforeseen circumstances when a gate that is supposed to be open is closed, but we and our partners, we have a huge commitment to ensure that appropriate measures are put in place so that this doesn’t happen again.”
Motsepe also confirmed that Sunday’s fixture which was scheduled for Olembe — between the winners of Egypt-Ivory Coast and the winners of Morocco-Malawi — would now be moved to Olembe.
They also revealed that the 30 January meeting between the winners of Senegal-Cape Verde and the winners of Mali-Equatorial Guinea would be moved to Limbe from Douala.
