During the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Ivory Coast, six Guinean supporters tragically lost their lives while commemorating their country’s first victory.
The Guinean Football Federation, Feguifoot, informed the BBC that the incident occurred when fans took to the streets of Conakry, the capital of Guinea, to rejoice in cars and on motorcycles.
Following Guinea’s 1-0 triumph over The Gambia in their second group match, celebrations erupted throughout the West African nation.
Feguifoot media manager, Amadou Makadji, said their supporters and the public celebrated in a lively manner.
“What is important is that our fans and the public celebrate in a very measured fashion.“They have to be very careful not to put themselves in danger, because football aims to bring joy and not leave families bereaved. 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,” he said.
Aguibou Camara’s goal secured the victory, propelling Guinea to second place in Group C with four points, trailing behind defending champions Senegal by two points and surpassing third-placed Cameroon, who are five-time winners, by three points.
The Gambian team has yet to earn any points.
A police source revealed that three individuals perished in a collision between two speeding vehicles, while several dozen others sustained injuries in road accidents.
Additionally, many fans joyfully participated in the revelry by riding on car bonnets, causing the capital’s roads to overflow with celebration.
Meanwhile, Feguifoot and former star Pascal Feindouno have urged the country’s fans to be calm.
“I have a message to send to Guinean men and women,” the 42-year-old, who played at four Nations Cups, told the BBC in Yamoussoukro, where the team is based.
