Guinea FA urge fans calm after six die in AFCON celebrations

The Guinean Football Federation has asked fans to tone down their celebrations after six people were killed during Friday's 1-0 win over Gambia in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Jubilant Guinean fans took to the country's streets after a victory that put coach Kaba Diawara's team on the verge of reaching the round of 16 of the tournament in Ivory Coast.

The Federation released a video of the team asking supporters to celebrate responsibly as they prepare to face Senegal in their final group match on Tuesday.

“What is important is that our supporters and the public celebrate in a very measured way,” the Federation's media manager, Amadou Makadji, told the BBC.

“They have to be very careful not to put themselves in danger, because the aim of football is to bring joy and not leave families in mourning.”

A draw against Senegal would send Guinea to the round of 16 and they could qualify even if they lose depending on other results.

“We don't want the dead to mourn, so we call on everyone to celebrate but take care of themselves so that nothing happens to them,” Makadji said.

“Guinea is a country where people are very, very passionate about football and where they experience football like nowhere else in the world.”