By Josiane Kouagheu

YAOUNDE (Reuters). Several people were hurt and eight died when supporters stormed a stadium that hosted an Africa Cup of Nations match. It was located in Cameroon’s capital.

Images posted on social media and not verified by Reuters showed panicked people trying to get through a gate in the Olembe stadium, Yaounde, that hosted a 16-team game between Cameroons and Comoros.

As a cop walked past, dozens of spectators rushed over the stadium fencing.

This is a major blow to the tournament. It had been attracting more excitement due to match upsets in the last days, but was being scrutinized for its lack of preparedness beforehand.

Preparations for COVID-19 as well as insecurity due to a separatist rebellion also proved difficult.

The construction of the Olembe Stadium, which seats 60,000 people, continued up until the opening of Africa’s premier soccer tournament. This prompted the Confederation of African Football to call an emergency meeting in order to cancel the competition. [KBN2JZ0TJ]

CAF is still investigating and trying for more detail. “We are constantly in communication with Cameroon’s government and the Local Organising Committee”, it stated in a statement.

THE SHOCK AND THE WEIGHT

Vanessa Tchouanzi was a high school teacher who had been to the match Monday. As she recounted the story over the telephone to Reuters, she was unable to speak.

Tchouanzi attempted to get into the stadium along with a friend but was stopped by gate attendants who were too busy trying to find tickets.

Tchouanzi, her friend and a fan rushed to their entrance. Tchouanzi was saved by a witness, but Tchouanzi’s friend died from the injuries.

Tchouanzi broke down in tears, saying that she couldn’t handle the shock of the mass of people.

The government didn’t provide any details on what caused the crush nor whether tickets allowed fans into the stadium. After the tragedy, it isn’t clear how the match proceeded.

Cameroon authorities opened the stadium gates to attract fans following a low turnout for the first round at their new stadiums. They also organized mass transportation and gave away free tickets.

Cameroon beat 10-man Comoros https://www.reuters.com/article/soccer-nations-cmr-com-report/soccer-cameroon-overcome-plucky-comoros-to-advance-at-cup-of-nations-idUKL1N2U42H9 Islands 2-1 to advance to the quarter-finals.