Dylan Bettencourt
All the players in the Cameroon soccer team qualify for a R1,2 million bonus for reaching the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations – but they will not keep the money for themselves.
The players have pledged the money to the survivors of the stampede that took place at the Olembe Stadium on 24 January.
“The Indomitable Lions asked the FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o that their bonus of 50,000,000 CFA (R1.2m) for their qualification to the last 16 at the AFCON be given to the victims of the stampede,” team spokesman Serge Leopold Guiffo told ESPN.
Guiffo said the request came after Cameroon defeated Gambia in the quarterfinal match which took place on Sunday.
Cameroon also dedicated that 2-0 victory to the victims of the stampede.
Eight people were killed in a stampede as Cameroon kicked off their round of 16 outing against Comoros. What should have been a joyous occasion took a tragic turn when a crowd tried to force its way into the venue to see their nation play.
Two of the three entrances were locked and there wasn’t enough security on hand to control the crowd. A stampede broke out as terror spread amongst the crowd of 50,000 and eight people were crushed to death. A further 38 people were seriously injured and seven of those had to be airlifted to hospital.
The team as well as the fans inside the capital stadium were oblivious to the news until after half-time.
Despite the incident, Cameroon managed to defeat a spirited but badly impaired Comoros side and booked their spot in the quarter final.
The hosts will for the first time return to the stadium where the incident took place for their semifinal clash against Egypt set for Thursday.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) came under intense scrutiny for the incident, with many expecting the games at the Olembe Stadium to be relocated.
CAF decided against relocating the games and have assured that security measures have ben improved to the required standard for the semifinal and final.
The final of Afcon is set for Sunday at 9pm with Egypt, Cameroon, Burkina Faso or Senegal vying to lift the trophy.
Image source: @Eurosport