In a tragic turn of events, six fans in Guinea lost their lives while celebrating the country’s first victory at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast. The Guinean Football Federation (Feguifoot) confirmed the incident, revealing that the fatalities occurred during celebratory gatherings on the streets of the Guinean capital, Conakry, with fans taking to cars and motorcycles.
Guinea secured a 1-0 win against The Gambia in their second group game in Ivory Coast on Friday night, sparking exuberant celebrations throughout the West African nation.
Amadou Makadji, the media manager for Feguifoot, cautioned against excessive and unsafe celebrations, emphasizing the importance of measured joy. He urged fans to be careful and avoid putting themselves in danger, emphasizing that football is meant to bring joy and not result in tragic losses.
Guinea is known for its passionate football culture, and the celebratory scenes erupted across the country after the victory. Unfortunately, the festivities took a grim turn as three people lost their lives in a high-speed collision between two vehicles. Several dozen others were reported injured in road accidents, with many fans driving on car bonnets and filling the capital’s roads in jubilation.
Feguifoot and former football star Pascal Feindouno issued appeals for calm, emphasizing the need for responsible celebration. Pascal Feindouno, who played in four Nations Cups, conveyed a message to Guinean men and women, urging caution and responsible behavior during celebratory events.
The tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers associated with uncontrolled celebrations and highlights the need for fans to prioritize safety while expressing their passion for the sport.