Tragically, at least six Guinean fans died as they celebrated their nation’s first-ever victory at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
The tragic incident was verified to the BBC on Monday by the Guinean Football Federation, or Feguifoot.
Feguifoot’s media manager, Amadou Makadji, expressed regret for the unlucky situation that occurred during the joyous celebrations in Conakry, the capital of Guinea. He claimed that the fans showed their happiness by parading around the streets in automobiles and motorcycles.
Remember when on Friday night, Guinea defeated The Gambia 1-0 in their second group match in Ivory Coast, sparking wild jubilation throughout the whole West African country?
Unfortunately, following the tragic catastrophe, a happy occasion turned unpleasant for the nation’s football lovers.
Commenting on the incident, Makadji said: “What is important is that our fans and the public celebrate in a very measured fashion,”
“They have to be very careful not to put themselves in danger because the goal of football is to bring joy and not leave families bereaved. We do not want deaths to be mourned, so we call on everyone to celebrate but to take care of themselves so that nothing happens to them.
“Guinea is a country where people are very, very passionate about football, and they experience football like nowhere else in the world,” He added.
Aguibou Camara’s goal gave Guinea four points, good enough to take second place in Group C.
The nation is now three points ahead of Cameroon, who are in third place and have won the championship five times, but two points behind Senegal, the defending winners.
The Gambians, on the other hand, have just one point and are at the bottom of the group.
However, while commenting on the latest incident, one of the star players in the Guinea side, Pascal Feindouno, said: “I have a message to send to Guinean men and women,” the 42-year-old, who played at four Nations Cups, told the BBC in Yamoussoukro, where the team are based.
“Rest assured that we will do something at the Nations Cup, but we have learned something that will destabilise us. We learned there were deaths after the victory against The Gambia – we want this to stop because we are here to defend the colours of the country.
“Everything is going well for us at the moment, so support the country but don’t do anything to kill each other or oneself. Stay calm – thank you,” Feindouno reportedly told BBC Sports Africa.
