Disaster in Yaounde as 8 people died in a stampede before Cameroon game

Injured fans lying on the floor after a stampede happened ahead of the game between host country Cameroon and Comoros in Yaounde on Monday night. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

At least eight people are confirmed dead and 38 injured in a crush ahead of last-16 game between Cameroon and Comoros.

Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé has a capacity of 60,000 but was only supposed to be 80 per cent full due to Covid restrictions; 50,000 fans tried to attend the match and it ended disastrously, a statement from officials confirmed.

The crush happened as crowds struggled to get access to the Olembe Stadium in the Cameroon capital of Yaounde to watch the host country play Comoros in a last-16 knockout game.

Social media videos and pictures show fans storming the stadium gate while officials try to peg them back, bodies were seen lying on the floor while others scramble to make it to the stadium, as at the time of filing this more injuries are being confirmed.

Cameroon beat Comoros who were reduced to ten men very early in the game but the tiny emerging nation gave a very good account of themselves, however the news of the night outside the disaster would be that of a left back that stood in-between the sticks for Comoros after their three goalkeepers were ruled out due to Covid.

"Some of the injured are in desperate condition," said Olinga Prudence, a nurse. "We will have to evacuate them to a specialized hospital."