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Sporting Witness: Zamalek Stadium Disaster

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Zamalek Stadium Disaster

17/02/2024 GMT

BBC World Service - Sporting Witness, Zamalek Stadium Disaster

One of Africa's worst sporting disasters happened in Cairo in 1974

On 17 February 1974, 48 people were killed in a stampede at Zamalek Stadium. Mahmoud Al Khawaga recalls fearing for people in the stands as he and his fellow teammates warmed up.

It was supposed to be a friendly match between Egyptian giants Zamalek and Czechoslovakian side Dukla Prague, but before the game started there was a deadly crush in the crowds.

The day before the game on 17 February 1974, the venue had been changed from the larger Cairo Stadium to Zamalek's home ground. 

It was reported that 48 people died and 47 were injured in a stampede. Josephine McDermott hears from retired Egyptian international player and Zamalek winger Mahmoud Al Khawaga who was there.


Production and interpretation from Riham Eldeeb in Cairo.

(Photo: Zamalek Stadium on the day of the disaster)

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