KEIR RADNEDGE REPORTING —- At least eight people were reported dead and 40 injured after a crowd crush outside the stadium hosting the Africa Cup of Nations second round tie between Cameroon and Comoros.

State President Paul Biya has ordered an inquiry into the stampede which occurred as fans struggled to reach and enter the Covid-check and ticket controls outside the Olembe stadium in the Cameroon capital of Yaounde.

The stadium has a capacity of 60,000 but because of Covid restrictions it was not meant to be more than 80pc full.

This was the latest and by far the worst of the tournament problems after a confusion over team Covid checks on the eve of the event, timekeeping chaos in a group match and the further illness and injuury problems which saw Comoros pick at outfield player in goal against Cameroon.

A Confederation of African Football statement said: “CAF is aware of the incident that took place at Olembe Stadium during the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations fixture between hosts Cameroon and Comoros tonight, 24 January 2022.

“CAF is currently investigating the situation and trying to get more details on what transpired. We are in constant communication with Cameroon government and the Local Organizing Committee.

“Tonight, the CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe sent the General Secretary, Veron Mosengo-Omba to visit the supporters in hospital in Yaoundé.”

Earlier Gambia secured their own place in the quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Guinea in Bafoussam. The goal was scored by the Bologna forward Musa Barrow in the 71st minute.

Defender Ibrahima Conte had an equaliser ruled out for offside before Gambia’s Yusupha Njie was sent off.

In stoppage time Guinea’s Jose Kante hit a post and had a shot tipped onto the bar by goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye.

Gambia, who are 150th in the world, will now face Cameroon in the last eight on Saturday.

The Gambians had gone unbeaten through the group stage, beating Mauritania and 2004 champions Tunisia.

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