Cameroon captain Vincent Aboubakar has urged fans to be “highly disciplined and responsible” during the remainder of the Africa Cup of Nations, after a stampede outside a stadium killed at least eight people on Monday.
The Indomitable Lions issued a statement on social media that quoted Aboubakar as saying the players and staff “deeply wail about the tragic incident.”
Africa Cup of Nations
Goals, shocks and incidents galore – why you cant take your eyes off AFCON
A DAY AGO
“To the families of the victims, they extend their heart-felt condolences and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” the statement said.
Tournament organisers have yet to announce whether the tragedy will lead to fewer fans being allowed into future games.
But Aboubakar urged supporters to help ensure that similar scenes will not be repeated.
“The Indomitable Lions urge the football fans in Cameroon and Africa to be highly disciplined and responsible within and outside the stadiums so that football matches in general and the 2021 Total Energy CAN remain festive moments.
“They also call for the preservation of security, brotherhood and shared happiness in the stadiums.”
Officials said roughly 50,000 people were attempting to attend the match, although the 60,000-seater stadium was operating at an 80 per cent capacity due to coronavirus restrictions.
The nearby Messassi hospital reportedly received more than 40 people who had been injured from the stampede.
“Some of the injured are in desperate condition,” a nurse said. “We will have to evacuate them to a specialised hospital.”
Africa Cup of Nations
Cameroon progress at Africa Cup of Nations as Aboubakar eyes Eto’o records
17/01/2022 AT 21:40
Premier League
Paper Round: Real to offer Bale in Pogba swap
07/06/2019 AT 22:18
