Six Fans Die as Guinea Celebrates Football Victory over Gambia at AFCON

Guinea experienced both jubilation and tragedy as the nation celebrated its football team’s victory over The Gambia at the Africa Cup of Nations. Guinea secured a 1-0 win during the tournament hosted in Ivory Coast, marking a significant achievement for the team, which had only recorded three Afcon wins in the past decade. This victory provided hope for Guinea’s qualification to the knockout stages of the competition.

The triumph led to exuberant celebrations in the Guinean capital, Conakry, with people taking to the streets in cars and on motorcycles. However, these celebrations turned tragic as six people lost their lives, and several others were injured. Reports indicate that some fans sat on car bonnets as they sped through the city in celebration.

The Guinean football federation, known as Feguifoot, confirmed the deaths and injuries resulting from the celebrations. Three individuals lost their lives in a high-speed collision involving two vehicles.

Former Guinean football star Pascal Feindouno urged for calm and responsibility among fans, emphasizing the importance of celebrating without putting lives at risk. He stressed that the goal of football is to bring joy and unity, not to cause harm or grief.

Feguifoot also called for measured celebrations, reminding the public to prioritize their safety and well-being while celebrating the national team’s achievements. Guinea is known for its passionate football fans, and the federation urged people to avoid actions that could lead to tragedy.

Guinea’s victory in the Africa Cup of Nations propelled the team to second place in Group C with four points, positioning them for possible qualification to the knockout stages. Their next match against Senegal will determine their fate in the competition.

The tragic events serve as a reminder of the deep passion and emotional connection that African nations have with football. While celebrations are an integral part of the sport, it is crucial to ensure that they do not result in unnecessary harm or loss of life.

As Guinea continues its journey in the tournament, the nation hopes to strike a balance between celebrating its football achievements and ensuring the safety and well-being of its people.