AFCON 2021: CAF boss Patrice Motsepe blames closed gate for Olembe Stadium stampede

President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr Patrice Motsepe has blamed the decision to close an entry gate at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde on Monday ahead of hosts Cameroon 2-1 win over Comoros.

The incident led to the demise of eight people while many were injured.

At a press conference, on Tuesday, Motsepe expressed his displeasure about the loss of lives during the round 16 clash and has therefore blamed the decision to close entry gate for the disaster.

“That gate was supposed to be open because if it was open they would have walked through, and for inexplicable reasons it was closed,” Motsepe said.

“If that gate was open as it was supposed to, we wouldn’t have had this problem we have now, this loss of life. Who closed that gate? Who is responsible for that gate?”

A baby was reportedly one of those trampled by the crowd and was in a “medically stable” condition.

Motsepe called for a probe after Cameroon’s President Paul Biya earlier ordered an investigation “so that all light is shed on this tragic incident.”

He added that the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final due to be played at the Olembe Stadium on Sunday will be switched to the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium, also in Yaounde.

Teams will wear black armbands and a minute’s silence will be observed before every game.