Audio By Carbonatix
The end of the domestic league season was marred by tragedy when a wall and a gate collapsed at the Tata Raphael Stadium in Kinshasa
The head of African football has offered his condolences to the families of 15 fans killed on Sunday amid a stampede during AS Vita's season-ending match against TP Mazembe in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Issa Hayatou expressed the continental governing body's "deep sadness" at the events at the Tata Raphael Stadium in Kinshasa and has called upon the Congolese football federation to give a full report on the incident.
"I would like to express my deepest sympathy on hearing of the untimely deaths of at least 15 people during the match of AS Vita and TP Mazembe," Hayatou told CAFOnline.
"Personally, and on behalf of the members of the African football community, I should be grateful if you could extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends and loved ones.
"Further, we wish those that have been reported injured and receiving medical assistance a full recovery."
The stampede took place during injury-time with Mazembe leading 1-0, with a wall and gate collapsing under the weight of bodies. Fans of AS Vita had earlier launched objects onto the field of play, with police responding by releasing tear gas into the stands.
The governor of Kinshasa has moved quickly to set up a commission looking into the tragedy, but Hayatou has taken the opportunity to speak of Caf's resistance to violence in the game.
"I wish to re-emphasise that any acts of violence have no place in football. They must be condemned in the strongest possible terms and I urge the Fecofa (Congolese FA) and authorities in the DRC to thoroughly investigate this matter."
Latest Stories
-
Mahama using Akufo-Addo’s roadmap – Charles Bissue on galamsey fight
9 minutes -
Ayawaso East NDC Primary: Baba Jamal files to contest, says he’s in to serve
10 minutes -
Cyber Security Authority uncovers WhatsApp Web scam targeting bank, MoMo users
17 minutes -
AU, ECOWAS urged to act as Russian recruitment exploits vulnerable African youth
21 minutes -
Supreme Court throws out OSP suit to join constitutional case over its own existence
28 minutes -
Media personality Roland Amartey to cover 2026 Ghana Music Awards USA
28 minutes -
Energy Minister commissions Ghana’s first-ever CNG facility, reaffirms government’s gas-to-power commitment
1 hour -
Kojo Piesie pays tribute to parents with ‘Mbofra Daakye’
1 hour -
Pakistan’s Additional Foreign Secretary calls on Ghana’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister
1 hour -
Asenso Boakye urges NPP delegates to vote Bawumia in Saturday’s presidential primaries
1 hour -
Hundreds swarm screening centres as Ghana Immigration Service recruitment hits fever pitch
1 hour -
Trump abandons attack mode as Minneapolis shooting backlash grows
1 hour -
It will be most unwise not to retain Bawumia for 2028 – Asenso Boakye
2 hours -
Complacency is the enemy: Ofosu-Dorte warns Mahama
2 hours -
New District Mining Committees to strengthen oversight and combat illegal mining
2 hours
