Samuel Eto'o, President of the Cameroon Football Federation, offered condolences to the families of the victims of the tragic incident that claimed the lives of 8 people and injured about 40 in a stampede before the Comoros match, which ended with a 2-1 victory for the hosts in the Round of 16 of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, continuing until February 6. Samuel Eto'o expressed his condolences to the grieving families regarding the stampede at the entrance of the Olympique Stadium "Paul Biya" on Monday evening.
Regarding the rumors about Cameroon’s involvement in COVID-19 testing, Eto'o defended his country against the accusations, stating, "Cameroon has won all its titles without cheating; cheating is not part of the Cameroonian's genes, it will never exist, especially under my leadership."
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) issued an official statement on Tuesday, confirming that it had opened an investigation into the incident that resulted in the death of 8 individuals and injuries to 38 others due to the crowd surge. The statement, signed by Vincent Aboubakar, the team's captain, on behalf of the other players and the coaching staff, expressed that the indomitable lions, as they call themselves, extend their heartfelt condolences to the families of the tragic incident's victims and urged fans to adhere to the highest levels of discipline and to take responsibility both inside and outside the stadium during the Africa Cup of Nations.
Images circulated on social media showed fans screaming at the entrance gate, alongside the significant stampede depicted in video clips. Despite Cameroon, as the host, advancing to the quarter-finals, a somber atmosphere enveloped the Yaoundé Stadium. Global reports indicated that there were casualties during the crowd surge as fans exited the stadium after the match, which was attended by tens of thousands in the stands. Cameroon media continues to cover the tragic incident that resulted in the loss of more than one fan on Monday evening. Cameroonian journalist Anie Baybi confirmed via her Twitter account that there were 8 victims in addition to 50 other injuries.
