The Guinean Football Federation has confirmed the death of six fans after their 1-0 victory against the Gambia at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
After the win against the Scorpions in the Ivorian capital city of Yamoussoukro, Guineans back home trooped out to the streets of Conakry on Friday.
The wild celebrations led to collision of vehicles and motorcycles which resulted in the death of six people with several others injured.
Aguibou Camara’s 69th-minute goal separated Guinea and the Gambia in the second round of Group C fixtures and boosted the chances of progressing after a 1-1 draw with Cameroon in their opening match.
Nous avons été profondément attristés par la perte de certains de nos supporters lors de la célébration de la victoire face à la Gambie ????.
Célébrons avec prudence et faites attention à vous.#FGF | #GbinGbinSo pic.twitter.com/O7JDVYon10
— Fédération Guinéenne de Football (@fgfofficiel) January 21, 2024
The Syli Nationale are second in Group C with four points after two matches and they trail leaders Senegal by two points.
Ahead of the clash for Group C top spot on Tuesday, the Guinea FA put out a message to caution fans about their celebration.
“What is important is that our fans and the public celebrate in a very measured fashion. They have to be very careful to not put themselves in danger, because the goal of football is to bring joy and not leave families bereaved,” Feguifoot media manager Amadou Makadji told BBC Sport Africa.
“We do not want deaths to mourn, so we call on everyone to celebrate but to take care of themselves so that nothing happens to them. Guinea is a country where people are very, very passionate about football and they experience football like nowhere else in the world.”
