Six fans have died celebrating Guinea’s win over Gambia in the 2024 African Cup of Nations group C match.
Guinea needed to win and guarantee their place in the round of 16 after drawing against Cameroon in their opening match. They need just a draw against Senegal to advance while Cameroon need a win hoping that the Teranga Lions do them a favour.
Fans in the Guinean capital Conakry trooped to the streets after the win against Gambia, some rode in cars and others in motorcycles at high speed. Three persons were killed when two vehicles collided. While three others died in different circumstances. Many are reported to be injured in the frenzy.
The Guinean Football Federation (Feguifoot) has now called for calm ahead of their final group game. They are hoping for a peaceful celebration if Guinea progresses.
“What is important is that our fans and the public celebrate in a very measured fashion,” Feguifoot’s media manager Amadou Makadji told BBC Sport Africa.
“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.”
Former star player Pascal Feindouno hopes fans will remain calm if they get a positive result. He was part of a team that reached three quarter-finals between 2004 and 2008, and does not want more families to grieve.
