The Beninese Football Federation confirmed the loss of life during the match between Benin and Senegal on Saturday evening at the Stade l’Amitié Général Mathieu Kérékou in Cotonou.
The Beninese Football Federation did not specify the number of deaths, but the local media reported that at least two died with many injured.
In the statement published by the FBF, the institution “wishes a speedy recovery to the other injured supporters who are still in hospital” and promised to place the responsibilities.
This press release from the governing body of Benin football confirms information that has been circulating on social networks since Saturday evening.
Numerous photos and videos showed Beninese fans passed out. During the match, the ambulances made numerous round trips between the stadium and the hospitals.
The Mathieu Kérékou Stadium in Cotonou is the largest in the West African country with a capacity of 35,000 seats.
Entrance to the stadium was free for this match. The authorities took this decision to allow supporters to come and push their national team.
Although the Beninese did respond to this call, at the various entrances to the stadium, numerous jostling were reported before the start of the match.
At the end of Saturday evening’s match counting for the fifth day of the AFCON playoffs, Beninese and Senegalese parted ways with a score of 1-1.
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