In an unforeseen turn of events, the celebration of Guinea's historic victory in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) took a tragic toll as six fans lost their lives during exuberant celebrations in the streets of Conakry, the Guinean capital.
The Guinean Football Federation, Feguifoot, confirmed the heartbreaking news to BBC, revealing that the incident occurred as fans flooded the roads in cars and on motorcycles to revel in the euphoria of Guinea's 1-0 victory over The Gambia in their second group game in Ivory Coast.
Speaking to BBC Africa Sport, Amadou Makadji, the media manager for Feguifoot, emphasized the importance of measured celebration, urging fans to prioritize their safety. "Football aims to bring joy and not leave families bereaved. We do not want deaths to mourn, so we call on everyone to celebrate but to take care of themselves so that nothing happens to them," Makadji pleaded.
The passion for football in Guinea is unparalleled, and the victory triggered an outpouring of exuberance. However, this celebration turned tragic when, according to a police source revealed to Agence France Presse, three individuals lost their lives in a high-speed collision between two vehicles. Several dozen others were injured in various road accidents, with reports of fans driving on car bonnets as the capital's roads were congested with jubilant crowds.
Feguifoot, in collaboration with former football star Pascal Feindouno, issued a joint plea for calm among the country's passionate football enthusiasts. The 42-year-old Feindouno, who played in four Nations Cups, conveyed a heartfelt message to Guinean men and women, emphasizing the need for measured celebration to prevent further tragedies.
As the nation grapples with the bittersweet emotions of a historic football triumph marred by the loss of dedicated supporters, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between celebration and safety during moments of collective joy.
The Guinean Football Federation, Feguifoot, confirmed the heartbreaking news to BBC, revealing that the incident occurred as fans flooded the roads in cars and on motorcycles to revel in the euphoria of Guinea's 1-0 victory over The Gambia in their second group game in Ivory Coast.
Speaking to BBC Africa Sport, Amadou Makadji, the media manager for Feguifoot, emphasized the importance of measured celebration, urging fans to prioritize their safety. "Football aims to bring joy and not leave families bereaved. We do not want deaths to mourn, so we call on everyone to celebrate but to take care of themselves so that nothing happens to them," Makadji pleaded.
The passion for football in Guinea is unparalleled, and the victory triggered an outpouring of exuberance. However, this celebration turned tragic when, according to a police source revealed to Agence France Presse, three individuals lost their lives in a high-speed collision between two vehicles. Several dozen others were injured in various road accidents, with reports of fans driving on car bonnets as the capital's roads were congested with jubilant crowds.
Feguifoot, in collaboration with former football star Pascal Feindouno, issued a joint plea for calm among the country's passionate football enthusiasts. The 42-year-old Feindouno, who played in four Nations Cups, conveyed a heartfelt message to Guinean men and women, emphasizing the need for measured celebration to prevent further tragedies.
As the nation grapples with the bittersweet emotions of a historic football triumph marred by the loss of dedicated supporters, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between celebration and safety during moments of collective joy.
