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19 dead in Cote d'Ivoire football stadium crush

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-03-30 08:39

JOHANNESBURG - At least 19 people were killed in a stadium crush during a World Cup qualifier between Cote d'Ivoire and Malawi in Abidjan on Sunday.

Firemen and supporters carry an injured person at Felix Houphouet-Boigny stadium during a 2010 World Cup qualifying game between Cote d'Ivoire and Malawi, in Abidjan March 29, 2009. [Agencies]

A rush by spectators led to the collapse of a wall, medical officials said. Police then fired tear gas to clear the crowd, causing a stampede which also left many people seriously injured.

The tragedy followed similar incidents which have marred international matches in Africa in the last decade, including two separate ones in Zambia and the death of 13 people in Zimbabwe nine years ago.

FIFA instigated a programme of stadium inspections across Africa before the 2010 World Cup qualifiers and Abidjan's Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium was passed as safe for international matches.

Supporters complain to security personnel at Felix Houphouet-Boigny stadium during a 2010 World Cup qualifying game between Cote d'Ivoire and Malawi, in Abidjan March 29, 2009. [Agencies]

On the field, Chelsea striker Didier Drogba marked his return to competitive international football with two goals to lead Cote d'Ivoire to a 5-0 win over Malawi.

The Chelsea striker, who missed the first six qualifiers due to a knee injury, converted a seventh-minute penalty and followed up with a 27th-minute goal as the Elephants romped home in Abidjan in their Group E opener.

Ghana were also victorious in Group D but two heavily fancied teams, Egypt and Nigeria were held to draws in Sunday's qualifiers.

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