November 21 – The volatile nature of African football has once again led to fatal consequences after what should have been a joyous occasion turned into tragedy.
Algerian authorities said 12 people died and more than 200 were injured following the country’s qualification for next year’s World Cup.
Five fans were killed when their van slid off a road east of Algiers, four perished in a car accident in the southern city of Biskra and three died in other towns.
Algeria beat Burkino Faso 1-0 on Tuesday in Blida to qualify on away goals, sparking thousands of fans to pour into the streets across the North African nation.
But in some areas the celebrations turned excessively raucous causing scores of injuries. No further details have been provided by the Algerian authorities but the deaths and injuries marred Algeria’s fourth World Cup qualification and their second in a row after 2010. Most of the injuries appear to have been caused by young men speeding around crowded city streets.
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