In a heartbreaking turn of events, six lives have been lost in Guinea amid exuberant celebrations following their victory against The Gambia in the Africa Cup of Nations. The wild festivities saw fans flooding the streets of Conakry, resulting in tragic incidents, including a fatal collision between two vehicles and numerous injuries from road accidents.
Guinea secured a crucial AFCON win, with Aguibou Camara’s second-half goal propelling them to second place in Group C and putting them on the cusp of advancing to the last 16. Despite the joyous occasion, the excessive celebrations took a grim toll as supporters engaged in risky behaviors, such as driving on car bonnets.
As Guinea stands on the brink of reaching the knockout stages, the Guinean Football Federation (Feguifoot) has issued a plea for calm ahead of their final group game. Feguifoot’s media manager, Amadou Makadji, emphasized the importance of measured celebrations, urging fans to avoid putting themselves in harm’s way.
The tragedy underscores the passion for football in Guinea, neighboring tournament hosts Ivory Coast. With Guinea’s fate hanging in the balance, the call for responsible celebration becomes even more urgent. Former star player Pascal Feindouno, who experienced success in the tournament between 2004 and 2008, expressed his concern for the safety of fans in light of the recent deaths.
Feindouno sent a poignant message to the Guinean community, urging them to support their country responsibly. Acknowledging the current positive momentum, he emphasized the need to avoid actions that could lead to harm or loss of life. In the face of Guinea’s potential success in AFCON, the plea for calm resonates as a reminder that football is meant to bring joy, not tragedy.
As Guinea aims for a spot in the last 16, the fervor of their fans must be channeled into safe and measured celebrations, keeping in mind the ultimate goal of football – to unite and bring happiness without causing grief within families.
