Yaounde Stadium Disaster: Remembering the Horrific Event as Tragedy Hits AFCON Again Two Years Later

• Nearly two years ago, tragedy struck African football
• Eight supports died at the Olembe stadium tragedy during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations
• Disaster has hit AFCON again, this time in Guinea, where supporters died when celebrating the win

Monday, January 24, 2022, remains the worst day in Africa Cup of Nations history.

Eight people tragically lost their lives at the Olembé stadium in the capital, Yaoundé, in a stampede at the gates of the stadium in Cameroon's Round of 16 encounters against Comoros.

Almost two years later, six fans have died in Guinea while celebrating the nation's 1-0 win over The Gambia on Friday, January 19.

Thousands of fans had waited for months to watch their team play. They bought jerseys, and scarfs, and painted their faces in the country's flag colours, but they had no idea an exciting day would end in catastrophe.

AFCON 2023: A Complete Breakdown of Every Group and What to Expect

Football

At the gates of Olembe stadium, Cameroon supporters were trampled when a stadium barrier collapsed as fans tried to get inside, per ESPN. Eight people died while many more were taken to hospital.

Two children, aged eight and 14, were among the dead, while 47 people were injured. Everyone affected by the tragedy received $17,042 from a compensation fund of $143,000.

"Clearly there were deficiencies, failures, weaknesses, things that should have been foreseen," CAFpresident Patrice Motsepe said days after the tragedy, per the Independent.

"We must make changes to avoid the circumstances that can lead to such a situation."

It is a day that will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of those impacted and African football at large.

Guinea AFCON tragedy

The BBC reported that six people died in Guinea while celebrating the country's first win in the 2023 AFCON. The victory was only their third in the last 15 AFCON tournaments.

Ranking the 5 best moments in Africa Cup of Nations' 66-year history

Football

Aguibou Camara's 69th-minute goal gave the Syli National a vital win after their 1-1 draw with Cameroon in their opening game. The win gives them four points, leaving them second in Group C behind Senegal. If they avoid defeat against the Lions of Teranga, they will reach the Round of 16.

After the victory over Guinea, fans poured into the streets of the capital Conakry to celebrate with cars and motorcycles.

The report adds that three people died when two vehicles collided. Others were injured in road accidents while sitting on car bonnets.

Guinea Football Federation (Feguifoot) media manager Amadou Makadji urged supporters to exercise caution when celebrating.

"What is important is that our fans and the public celebrate in a very measured fashion," he said.

"They have to be very careful to not put themselves in danger, because the goal of football is to bring joy and not leave families bereaved."

AFCON 2023 Group B Predictions and Preview: Egypt, Ghana, Cape Verde, and Mozambique

Football

This is the latest tragedy to hit African football. South Africa, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Egypt also witnessed stadium tragedies in the past, resulting in many lives lost.

Guinea secure first win at AFCON 2023

Sports Brief earlier reported that Aguibou Camara's second-half goal gave Guinea the win over the Gambia at AFCON on Friday, taking them closer to the Round of 16.

Camara scored from a fine assist by Morgan Guilavogui midway through the second half to decide the Group C contest in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast.

Guinea were the more threatening side despite being without star striker, Serhou Guirassy, just as they were for their opening 1-1 draw of the competition against Cameroon.