A Sunday that was meant to be festive in N’Zérékoré, in southeastern Guinea, turned into a tragedy. A football tournament ended in catastrophe, resulting in dozens of deaths and numerous injuries.
The event was the final of the “Refoundation” Trophy, organized in honor of President Mamady Doumbouya. Pitting the local team from N’Zérékoré against the team from Labé, the tournament, with financial prizes at stake, highlighted the growing popularity of such competitions across the country. These tournaments, held over the past several months, have been drawing large crowds, as evidenced by the vibrant scenes from another match played just last Tuesday.
Controversy and Deadly Chaos in N’Zérékoré
This Sunday, what was meant to be a sporting celebration turned into tragedy due to a controversial refereeing decision. With the score still tied just minutes before the end, the referee awarded a penalty to one of the teams, sparking outrage not only on the field but also in the stands.
Tensions escalated as some angry supporters began throwing stones. This act triggered widespread panic and a deadly stampede among the crowd.
In the chaos, Sports Minister Kéamou Bogola Haba and Agriculture Minister Felix Lamah, who were attending the event, were urgently evacuated. Tragically, dozens of supporters lost their lives, likely due to stampedes or falls amid the total confusion.
A Tragedy of Devastating Proportions and a Junta Under Fire
Heart-wrenching images and videos circulating on social media capture the horror of the tragedy in N’Zérékoré. They show several lifeless bodies lying on the ground. According to hospital sources cited by AFP, the death toll could reach “several dozen” or even “a hundred.” “Bodies are lined up as far as the eye can see in the hospital. Others are scattered in the hallways, and the morgue is overwhelmed,” said a doctor speaking anonymously. The victims are predominantly young teenagers.
Meanwhile, overwhelmed hospitals are struggling to cope with the massive influx of injured, as reported by the local press.
A Government Accused of Irresponsibility
The tragedy quickly sparked a wave of criticism against the authorities, who organized these tournaments, accused of failing to ensure the safety of participants and spectators. “For months, they’ve been staging events to push acceptance of the harsh reality of their agenda,” journalist Abdoulaye Oumou Sow criticized on social media.
This heartbreaking incident delivers a severe blow to the image of Guinean football, now overshadowed by this tragedy.
Leave a Reply