It is being reported that the qualifier was sold out when the tragedy occurred as people who did not have tickets smashed through one of the main gates of the stadium. In the chaos that ensued, many people were trampled and a wall collapsed under the weight of the surge. The trouble began about 40 minutes prior to kick-off and it seems that police tried to disperse some spectators with tear gas.

The main draw was the return of Didier Drogba to international football action. The Chelsea forward lined up alongside his fellow Stamford Bridge attacker Solomon Kalou, Arsenal pair Emmanuel Eboue and Kolo Toure, and Tottenham’s Didier Zokora.

Officials insisted that the match be played despite the disaster and chaotic scenes around the stadium. The game ended up being a rout in the favour of The Elephants who opened the scoring in the first minute through Romaric N’dri of Seville. Six minutes later, Drogba doubled the lead for the Ivory Coast from the penalty spot, effectively ending any chances Malawi had of coming away from the game with anything but a defeat.

Drogba scored again just before the half-hour mark, this time from open play, and his fellow club teammate Kalou made it four to nil after an hour. The win was completed by Marseille striker Bakary Kone in the 71st minute and the game ended with the Ivory Coast as five goal victors. Although this victory means that The Elephants are well on their way to obtaining a berth in South Africa for the 2010 World Cup, the loss of life and the injuries sustained by fans simply wanting to watch a game of football will live far longer in the memory than the match itself.