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Seven fans dead following stampede outside Cameroon stadium ahead of AFCON game
CAMEROON played Comoros in the last-16 of the Africa Cup of Nations
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At least seven supporters are reported to have died and many more were injured following a stampede ahead of Cameroon's last-16 game against Comoros in the Africa Cup of Nations. The game was taking place at the Paul Biya Stadium in the Olembe neighbourhood of Yaounde.
Cameroon were taking on minnows Comoros as they host this year's version of the prestigious AFCON tournament.
But there were horrific scenes as videos on social media showed some fans storming the gates ahead of kick-off.
Humanitarian Purpose sent a tweet showing pictures of the incident and wrote: "Five possibly killed and around 40 hospitalized after stampede outside Paul Biya Stadium during Africa Cup of Nations game."
And it was later confirmed by Associated Press that at least seven people had tragically lost their lives.
Pictures showed some stricken fans lying on the floor following the crush.
And video footage captured hundreds of people rushing through the gates trying to break in to watch the game.
Despite the chaotic scenes, the match went ahead without delay, and Cameroon went 1-0 up in the first-half through a Karl Toko Ekambi goal.
It came after Comoros captain Jimmy Abdou was sent off for a late challenge after just seven minutes.
In the second half Cameroon doubled their lead through Vincent Aboubakar, and although Comoros pulled one back through a stunning Youssouf M'Changama free-kick the match ended 2-1.
The Confederation of African Football released a statement after the game which 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 Cameroon government and the Local Organizing Committee.
La bousculade a l'entrée du Stade Olembé, #Yaoundé, pour le match #Cameroun Vs #Comores, comptant pour la 8e de finales de la #CAN2021 pic.twitter.com/bViz15BpxF
— Humanitarian Purpose (HP-BLEC) (@HumPurse) January 24, 2022
"Tonight, the CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe sent the General Secretary, Veron Mosengo-Omba to visit the supporters in hospital in Yaoundé."