Cameroon’s progression to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations has been overshadowed by a pre-match stampede, reportedly claiming the lives of eight people with a further 50 injured.

In various reports, observers described a stampede prior to kick-off at the Paul Biya Stadium in Olembe, with fans reportedly involved in a crush as they attempted to enter the stadium.

The hosts may have managed to seal their progression with a 2-1 win over Comoros, but the result was overshadowed by the pre-match chaos.

With the game taking place in 60,000-capacity stadium, which hosted the tournament’s opening ceremony and was built in preparation for the delayed tournament, was supposed to be at 80% capacity due to Covid-19.

However reports suggest desperate fans looking to force their way into the stadium caused a fracas, with supporters of all ages caught up in the chaos.

“Eight deaths were recorded, two women in their thirties, four men in their thirties, one child, one body taken away by the family,” according to a preliminary health ministry report obtained by Associated Press.

The ministry said victims were “immediately transported” in ambulances, but “heavy road traffic slowed down the transport”.

Some 50 people were injured in the crush, including two people with multiple injures and two more with serious head wounds, the ministry said.

A baby was also reportedly trampled by the crowd, the ministry added, although the infant was “immediately extracted and taken to Yaounde General Hospital” and is in a “medically stable” condition.

Tournament organisers had earlier confirmed to AFP that casualties had been recorded without providing further details.

Africa Cup of Nations organising committee spokesperson Abel Mbengue then told AFP: “There was a crush as can happen when there is a stampede. We are waiting for reliable information on the number of casualties in this tragic incident”.

The Confederation of African Football (Caf), which runs the continent’s flagship competition, said it was “investigating the situation and trying to get more details on what transpired”.

In a statement online, the organisation said it had sent its secretary general to “visit the supporters in hospital in Yaounde”.

“CAF is aware of the incident that took place at Olembe Stadium during the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations fixture between hosts Cameroon and Comoros tonight, 24 January 2022.

“CAF is currently investigating the situation and trying to get more details on what transpired. We are in constant communication with Cameroon government and the Local Organizing Committee.

“Tonight, CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe sent the General Secretary, Veron Mosengo-Omba, to visit the supporters in hospital in Yaounde.”

Despite the chaos outside the stadium, the match did kick off on time and the hosts progressed.