Eight People Confirmed Dead In Cameroon-Comoros Stadium Stampede

The incident occurred as scores of spectators tried to force their way into the stadium to watch host nation Cameroon take on Comoros in a round of 16 clash.

The Olembe Stadium has a 60,000 capacity but Coronavirus restrictions meant it had to be filled up to 80%. Locals reports indicate up to 50,000 people made their way into the stadium.

Videos circulating on social media showed people trying to gain access to the stadium using unapproved routes.

A statement released by the Cameroon government read: "The Government of the Republic brings to the attention of the National and International Opinion that during the round-of-16 meeting which was played on Monday, January 24, 2022, between Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and the national team of the Union of Comoros, jostling occurred at the southern entrance to the Olembe Football Stadium.

"The first assessment of these jostling reports: eight dead; and 38 injured, including 31 light [injuries] and seven serious.

"The deceased were taken to the Yaounde Emergency Center for the appropriate formalities, and the injured were distributed to four health facilities in the city of Yaounde, where they were immediately taken care of, on very high instructions from the president of the republic, His Excellency Paul Biya."

World football governing body, FIFA, have also expressed their condolences with a statement which read: "FIFA sends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives following the tragic incident that took place at Olembe Stadium during the Africa Cup of Nations fixture between Cameroon and Comoros.

"The thoughts and prayers of the global football community are with the victims, the ones who have been injured in this incident, and all the staff of both CAF and the Cameroonian Football Association (FECAFOOT) at this difficult moment."

Cameroon defeated Comoros 2-1 to advance to the quarterfinals where they will take on Gambia.