Updated Eight dead in crush outside Africa Cup of Nations game

Eight people have died following a stampede before the Africa Cup of Nations game between tournament hosts Cameroon and Comoros.

The incident, which is also said to have left 40 injured, occurred before Monday's round-of-16 tie in the Olembe area of the capital Yaounde.

"Eight deaths were recorded, two women in their thirties, four men in their thirties, one child, one body taken away by the family," a preliminary health ministry report.

Reports say fans were involved in a crush as they attempted to make their way into the Paul Biya Stadium, a 60,000 capacity arena named after Cameroon's president. The stadium, which hosted the tournament's opening ceremony, was built in preparation for the delayed competition, which kicked off earlier this month. Stadiums have been operating at 80% capacity during the Africa Cup of Nations due to restrictions placed on organisers because of the coronavirus pandemic. Premier League club Everton tweeted: "The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Everton are with the families of those fans who have lost their lives and anyone affected by the tragic events at today's #AFCON2021 match between Cameroon and Comoros in Yaounde. RIP." Cameroon won the game 2-1 to set up a quarter-final date with Gambia.