The Stade d'Olembe tragedy that occurred during the previous Africa Cup of Nations in Yaounde, Cameroon, left a dark mark on the tournament. However, in a heartwarming gesture, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has invited the families of the victims to attend the final match in Abidjan.
During an address to review the ongoing AFCON, CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced that the family members of the victims from Cameroon would be attending the final in Cote d'Ivoire. Motsepe expressed his condolences and revealed that CAF representatives had personally visited each family, offering support and sympathy in their time of grief.
The tragedy took place on January 24, 2022, before a round of 16 match between Cameroon and Comoros. A crush occurred at the Stade d'Olembe, resulting in the loss of eight lives and leaving 38 injured, with seven in serious condition. A government report later revealed that the incident was caused by a massive and late influx of supporters, leading to overcrowding. Security forces opened a gate outside the stadium in an attempt to alleviate the situation, inadvertently triggering the tragic events.
Motsepe reassured the public that measures had been implemented to prevent a similar incident during the current AFCON. Shortly after the final in Cameroon, CAF officials were already in Cote d'Ivoire to prepare for the upcoming tournament. The goal was to identify the shortcomings and weaknesses from the previous event and make the necessary improvements.
The Ivorian government invested approximately $1.5 billion in tournament infrastructure, aiming to provide a safe and secure environment for all attendees. So far, there have been no reports of supporter deaths during the competition. However, it hasn't been completely without challenges, as there have been instances of injuries, such as the one suffered by media professionals in a shuttle bus between Yamoussoukro and Abidjan.
Motsepe highlighted three areas that require improvement for future editions of the tournament. Firstly, ticket sales need to be managed more efficiently to avoid empty seats. While tickets were bought, some were resold at inflated prices, leading to unoccupied sections in the stadiums. This issue not only affects the atmosphere at the matches but also impacts the sponsors' perception of value and their willingness to invest in African football.
Secondly, broadcast consistency is crucial. Interruptions during the game between Senegal and the Gambia were unacceptable, and there should be zero tolerance for any interference with the broadcast. Such disruptions inconvenience viewers and hinder the promotion of African football on a global scale.
Lastly, transportation between tournament venues needs to be carefully coordinated to prevent accidents. Motsepe mentioned an occasion where their advice was not followed, resulting in a road accident. Reviewing and enhancing the transportation arrangements will ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved in the competition.
Despite the challenges faced, Motsepe expressed overall confidence in the success of the tournament. He referred to it as the best AFCON in the history of the competition, with a significant global viewership of close to two billion people in over 180 countries. African football has showcased its potential and capabilities during this tournament, and Motsepe emphasized the importance of building on this success for future editions.
As Africans, we can take pride in producing an exceptional competition. However, there is always room for improvement. The focus now shifts to the next AFCON, with the determination to make it even better than the current one. By learning from the experiences of this tournament, CAF aims to continue elevating the standards and reputation of African football.
