For the first time since the tragedy unfolded, the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation, Samuel Eto'o, has spoken out about the stampede that took place last week at the Africa Cup of Nations.
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AFCON 2021 was marred by the tragedy that occurred outside the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde as eight spectators died and 38 were injured before Cameroon's round of 16 match against Comoros.
Eto'o, the newly elected president of the host nation's football federation, has now sent his deepest condolences to the grieving families and his good wishes to those recovering from injuries.
"It's a beautiful celebration, but it has been tarnished," the competition's all-time top goalscorer said of the showpiece, according to France24.
"Allow me first of all on my own behalf, and on behalf of the executive committee that I chair, to send our sincere condolences to all the bereaved families and a speedy recovery to the injured.
"Some have paid the ultimate price, their lives, just by showing their love for the Cameroon team."
Click through the gallery below to see all the stadiums that have played host to AFCON 2021 matches:
The former Barcelona and Inter Milan forward also said that the Indomitable Lions now have an added incentive to win the tournament.
"As we have said to ourselves and the players, if we needed any extra motivation, now we have it. To bring a little bit of joy in the hearts of the families," he continued.
Cameroon will take on Egypt in the semi-finals of the tournament on Thursday night.
