By Bakah Derick
The African Football Confederation (CAF) organising committee of the 33rd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Cameroon 2021 has decided to lift the suspension on the recently constructed facility that turned deadly on Monday 24 January 2022.
The decision is contained in a release made public at the closing hours of Sunday 30 January 2022 after CAF's President Dr Patrice Motsepe met with the CAF AFCON Organising Committee and received the report compiled by CAF Safety and Security Department together with Local Organising Committee (LOC) relating to the tragedy that occurred at the Olembé Stadium killing eight and injuring 38.
"Having noted the recommendations and undertakings from Government in regard to additional security provisions over and above those which were already successfully implemented at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium during the Morocco and Malawi match and at the Japoma Stadium during the Gambia and Cameroon match, the CAF Organising Committee unanimously agreed to lift the suspension imposed on the Olembé, Stadium and allow one of the Total Energies AFCON Cup of Nations Semi-Finals as well as the Final Match to take place at the Olembé Stadium." The CAF statement partly read.
Not specific in the release on which of the semi final games will be played there, it is likely that match number 50 between Cameroon vs Egypt will be the game. The confederation authorities say all has been done to ensure safety and security; elements CAF President signaled were very important for his institution.
"In conclusion, CAF, the Local Organising Committee and the Government of Cameroon having significantly increased security and resources at the Olembé Stadium, are confident that the safety and security of spectators and visitors will be assured." The release concluded.
The facility named after Cameroon's President claimed eight lives as many tried rushing in for the quarter finals fixture between home side and debutants Comoros.
In a post incident presser, CAF's strongman Dr Patrice Motsepe indicted the LOC over poor management of gates and demanded a detailed report at the latest Friday 28 January 2022. It is not clear if the dead line was respected as football returns to Olembe.
Quarter final matche 47 between Egypt and Morocco was initially programmed for Olembe but was moved to the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium following the suspension.