Two fans killed in Benin vs Senegal match at Africa Cup of Nations

The information was confirmed by local authorities and a hospital source on June 19. The incident occurred on June 17 (local time) at the General Mathieu Kérékou Stadium, Cotonou (Benin) during the 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

"There was an incident in which two people died," local judicial official Jules Ahoga said in a statement. One person died in the stands and another died in hospital, the official added, amid an investigation.

Benin played Senegal at home in Group L and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. A source from the Benin Football Federation confirmed that two fans died during the match.

The stadium gates have been asked to be opened freely for fans to enter, the source said. "It was not the federation that decided to open the gates freely, but the state, through the sports ministry," the source added.

Louis Nouwatin, 32, who was caught up in the crowd, blamed the crush of fans trying to get a seat. "We were trampled mercilessly. You shouldn't go out to support your national team and go home in a coffin," said a shocked Louis Nouwatin.

Six injured people were taken to hospital and four others to a regional medical centre, a hospital source told AFP. A similar incident occurred in March 2019 during a match between Benin and Togo, which left one person dead and 13 injured.