Chaos Outside Luanda Stadium Leaves 70 Fans Injured During Angola Vs Argentina Match

Chaos Outside Luanda Stadium Leaves 70 Fans Injured During Angola Vs Argentina Match

By Niyi Busari 

A friendly match between Angola and Argentina in Luanda was overshadowed by chaotic scenes outside the stadium on Friday, where 70 spectators were injured amid overcrowding and clashes with security forces, local media reported, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The match took place at the 50,000-capacity Luanda Stadium, with the Angolan Football Federation issuing 48,000 tickets. Crowds began gathering hours before kickoff on November 14, and tension escalated as large groups of supporters attempted to force their way through the stadium gates.

According to the Angolan Emergency Medical Institute, 23 people sustained injuries after being trampled or falling during the crush, while another 47 required medical attention for symptoms including headaches and high blood pressure brought on by heat, crowd congestion, and rising panic.

Authorities said confrontations between fans and police intensified both before and during the match. Officers barred entry to some spectators for lacking valid tickets or carrying prohibited items such as bags, hats, and slippers. “Pushing, arguing, and chaos continued, forcing police to close several stadium entrances for security reasons,” officials stated.

Despite the disorder, no arrests were made, and the match ultimately proceeded as scheduled.

On the field, Argentina secured a 2–0 victory in front of the home crowd, with Lautaro Martínez opening the scoring in the 44th minute before Lionel Messi sealed the win with a goal in the 82nd.