At least 19 people were killed in a stadium crush during a World Cup qualifier between Ivory Coast and Malawi in Abidjan on Sunday.
At least 19 people were killed in a stadium crush during a World Cup qualifier between Ivory Coast and Malawi in Abidjan on Sunday.
A rush by spectators led to the collapse of a wall, medical officials told Reuters. Police then fired tear gas to clear the crowd, causing a stampede that also left many people seriously injured.
The tragedy followed similar incidents that have marred international matches in Africa in the past decade, including two separate ones in Zambia and the death of 13 people in Zimbabwe nine years ago.
Fifa instigated a programme of stadium inspections across Africa before the 2010 World Cup qualifiers and Abidjan's Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium was passed as safe for international matches.
On the field, Chelsea striker Didier Drogba marked his return to competitive international football with two goals to lead Ivory Coast to a 5-0 win over Malawi. The Chelsea striker, who missed the first six qualifiers due to a knee injury, converted a seventh-minute penalty and followed up with a 27th-minute goal as the Elephants romped home in Abidjan in their Group E opener.
Ghana were also victorious in Group D, but heavily fancied Egypt and Nigeria were held to draws in Sunday's qualifiers. Egypt drew 1-1 at home to Zambia in Cairo, while Nigeria drew 0-0 away to Mozambique.
The Ivory Coast made a perfect start with a first- minute goal from Christian Koffi Ndri before Drogba's double ensured a 3-0 half time lead. Salomon Kalou added a fourth midway through the first half before Marseille striker Bakary Kone completed the rout.
The Ivorians share top place with Burkina Faso, who beat Guinea 4-2 at home in Ouagadougou on Saturday.
Ghana's Black Stars also scored a first-minute goal in their Group D qualifier against Benin in Kumasi but were unable to add to Prince Tagoe's effort. - Reuters
19 fans killed in stampede
At least 19 people were killed in a stadium crush during a World Cup qualifier between Ivory Coast and Malawi in Abidjan on Sunday.
At least 19 people were killed in a stadium crush during a World Cup qualifier between Ivory Coast and Malawi in Abidjan on Sunday.
A rush by spectators led to the collapse of a wall, medical officials told Reuters. Police then fired tear gas to clear the crowd, causing a stampede that also left many people seriously injured.
The tragedy followed similar incidents that have marred international matches in Africa in the past decade, including two separate ones in Zambia and the death of 13 people in Zimbabwe nine years ago.
Fifa instigated a programme of stadium inspections across Africa before the 2010 World Cup qualifiers and Abidjan's Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium was passed as safe for international matches.
On the field, Chelsea striker Didier Drogba marked his return to competitive international football with two goals to lead Ivory Coast to a 5-0 win over Malawi. The Chelsea striker, who missed the first six qualifiers due to a knee injury, converted a seventh-minute penalty and followed up with a 27th-minute goal as the Elephants romped home in Abidjan in their Group E opener.
Ghana were also victorious in Group D, but heavily fancied Egypt and Nigeria were held to draws in Sunday's qualifiers. Egypt drew 1-1 at home to Zambia in Cairo, while Nigeria drew 0-0 away to Mozambique.
The Ivory Coast made a perfect start with a first- minute goal from Christian Koffi Ndri before Drogba's double ensured a 3-0 half time lead. Salomon Kalou added a fourth midway through the first half before Marseille striker Bakary Kone completed the rout.
The Ivorians share top place with Burkina Faso, who beat Guinea 4-2 at home in Ouagadougou on Saturday.
Ghana's Black Stars also scored a first-minute goal in their Group D qualifier against Benin in Kumasi but were unable to add to Prince Tagoe's effort. - Reuters
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