By Anita Dangazele
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium management has apologised after fans invaded the pitch during Friday night’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Bafana Bafana and Congo Brazzaville.
The invasions happened after Teboho Mokoena scored two goals, forcing the referee to stop the match for about 20 minutes because of safety concerns.
The stadium’s managing executive, Raaziq Poole, apologised for the incident.
“The unfortunate incidents of pitch invasions are regrettable and unacceptable. As hosts, we humbly apologise to all our stakeholders, fans and both national teams,” he said.
Poole explained that security personnel were delayed in reaching the field because of crowd issues at the stadium entrance, where late-arriving fans were pushing through the gates.
He promised a full investigation.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos was critical of the security arrangements.
“It is not up to us, but I think in future as a coach, I will have to ask the people of Safa if they are sure of the security in the stadium they choose,” he said.
He questioned why only a few security officers were present before the break but many more afterwards.
Despite the challenges, Bafana Bafana celebrated a 5-0 victory against Congo Brazzaville.
Pictured above: The Bafana Bafana squad celebrating their 5-0 victory against Congo Brazzaville on Friday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
Source: Facebook/NMB Stadium
