By Anye Valentine in Bamenda
Many Cameroonians are in a dilemma of reasons behind the empty stadia around the country for a tournament that has been anticipated by Cameroonians for years.
The African Nations cup kick-started in the Prestigious Olembé stadium on January 9 with a lot of excitement and euphoria as indomitable lions outsmarted the stallions of Burkina Faso in a 2-1 defeat.
The 60,000 capacity jewel was filled to the brim on the day of the official launch of the grand competition. Many thought this was how the tournament will flush till the end, until January 10 and January 11 matches.
The 3 group B matches in the 20,000 multi-purpose Stade De Kuekong in Omisport Baffoussam yesterday, witnessed a drastic drop in spectators. About 500 spectators showed up to watch the matches where Guinea played Mali, Gabon vs Morroco, and Senegal Vs Zimbabwe.
Reports are also filing in about the emptiness of the Japoma stadium in Douala where the Algerians are clashing with Sierra Leone.
Comments about the scantiness of the tournament have started pouring into the media. According to Cameroon Tribune Journalist, Simon Perre Covid-19 stands as a barrier to spectators watching these matches. He writes
“A Morocco-Ghana in front of an empty stadium, this is not Cameroon! I think the drastic government measures related to Covid have put a lot of people off. Few people are vaccinated in Cameroon. You must present the vaccine pass and a PCR test of fewer than 48 hours … It’s complicated! Coming to the stadium must be fun, a party, nobody likes difficulties! “
A football lover thinks otherwise has he says “ the issue is not only about covid-19, one the kuekong stadium is 16 km away from the main town, secondly match time starts at 2 pm when everyone is at work, thirdly is not a Cameroon match, thus we shouldn’t expect much. By the way, the scantiness happens in all AFCONS.” He wrote
What do you think may be the problem? Drop your thoughts on the comment box below
