AFCON quarter-final moved to another stadium after deadly crush in Cameroon

AFP , Tuesday 25 Jan 2022

The Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final due to be played at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde will be switched to another stadium after Monday's tragedy left eight people dead, African football supremo Patrice Motsepe said.

Cameroonian
This picture taken on January 25, 2022 at the entrance of Olembe stadium in Yaounde shows a ticket on the ground at the scene of the stampede. - Eight people were killed and many more injured in a crush outside a Cameroonian football stadium on January 24, 2022 ahead of an Africa Cup of Nations match. Crowds attempted to enter through a southern entrace at Olembe stadium in the capital Yaounde to watch the host nation play Comoros. AFP

Sunday's quarter-final will instead be played at the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium, also in Yaounde, which was already being used for the tournament.

"The game that is scheduled for Olembe Stadium on Sunday...is going to take place at Ahmadou Ahidjo," said Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Motsepe at a press conference in Yaounde.

Eight people died and 38 were injured as fans attempted to enter the Olembe Stadium where hosts Cameroon were playing the Comoros according to the country's health ministry.

"I need a report into what happened, what should have happened, and the circumstances that led to people being injured," added Motsepe, who called for "urgent measures to make sure that doesn't happen again."

Motsepe also paid tribute to those who lost their lives.

"I ask that we all observe a moment of silence and prayer for the eight people who lost their lives," he said.

"Let me start by expressing our deep condolences to the families of the spectators who came to Olembe Stadium and have passed on."

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)

Short link: