A stampede at the prefectural stadium in N’Zérékoré, southeastern Guinea, turned deadly on Sunday during the final of the “Refoundation Trophy,” an event held in honor of President Mamady Doumbouya. The clash between the local team and Labé ended in tragedy, leaving multiple fatalities and injuries, according to reports from the Guinean press agency.
The incident reportedly unfolded in the final minutes of the match when the referee awarded a penalty with the score tied.
The decision sparked heated protests from players on the field and ignited tensions among fans in the stands.
Stones were hurled, triggering panic and a chaotic stampede as spectators scrambled to escape the escalating violence.
Amid the turmoil, government officials, including the Minister of Sports, Kéamou Bogola Haba, and the Minister of Agriculture, Felix Lamah, were forced to flee the stadium.
Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of “indescribable chaos” as the crowd attempted to disperse in fear.
Disturbing photos and videos circulating on social media show the aftermath of the incident, with injured victims being attended to and the scale of the tragedy becoming evident.
Despite the gravity of the situation, authorities have yet to release an official statement detailing the number of casualties or the extent of the injuries sustained.
The final, meant to celebrate unity and sportsmanship, has instead brought grief and raised urgent questions about crowd control and stadium safety measures in Guinea.
