Harare’s return to major international football was overshadowed by tragedy on Monday night when a spectator died in a crush outside the National Sports Stadium before Zimbabwe’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Zimbabwe Police said the fatal incident occurred at Gate 2 at about 6.30pm local time, around the start of the 2027 AFCON qualifier. One person was killed amid a surge of people at the entrance, while authorities said a crowd-control police vehicle and a pedestrian were involved.
An urgent and comprehensive investigation has been opened. Police extended their deepest condolences to the victim’s family.
Security delays at Gate 2
Fans holding tickets had reportedly grown frustrated as they waited to enter the stadium under heightened security arrangements linked to the attendance of Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Footage from the scene showed a water-cannon truck moving quickly towards Gate 2 as a group appeared to be trying to force its way through. In the congestion that followed, an individual fell and was struck by the vehicle.
The vehicle appeared to be an Israeli-made anti-riot truck fitted with a water cannon, though the circumstances surrounding its movement and the death remain part of the police inquiry.
A painful night for Harare football
The fixture was Zimbabwe’s first at the National Sports Stadium in five years. FIFA had previously barred the ground from hosting international matches, but the ban was lifted after extensive renovation work.
The home side’s long-awaited return ended in a 2-1 defeat to DR Congo, but the result was eclipsed by the fatal events outside the stadium.
