Original version

BBC World Service News Internet

Sporting Witness

Podcasts

Factual: History

Sport

The inside and personal story of the key moments from sporting history

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service East Asia

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

Sporting Witness: Zamalek Stadium Disaster

Magazines & Reviews

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)

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Sporting Witness

Zamalek Stadium Disaster

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service News Internet

About BBC World Service