The 2015 AFCON semi-final between Ghana and Equatorial Guinea ended in chaos, overshadowing what should have been a celebration of football.
As Ghana led 3-0 late in the game, sections of the Equatorial Guinean crowd responded violently, throwing projectiles at Ghanaian players and fans. The situation escalated to such an extent that security forces had to intervene forcefully, including evacuating supporters from the stands and protecting the Ghanaian bench with riot shields.
In a surreal moment, a military helicopter hovered just 10 meters above the stands in an attempt to disperse the crowd—a dramatic and distressing image that left a deep stain on the tournament.
This wasn’t the first incident of the night. At half-time, Ghanaian players had already been escorted under police protection due to rising tensions.
Despite Ghana’s deserving 3-0 win and qualification for the final, the evening’s events raised serious concerns about crowd control, match security, and the host nation’s readiness to handle such high-pressure fixtures.
CAF is expected to launch a full disciplinary investigation, and sanctions against Equatorial Guinea are likely, particularly for failing to ensure the safety of players and fans.
This incident has sadly become one of the most infamous moments in AFCON history, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining order and respect in sport.
