The stampede happened as crowds struggled to gain access to Olembe Stadium in the capital, Yaounde, to watch the host nation play Comoros in a last 16 knockout match.

A regional governor, Naseri Paul Biya, said there could be more casualties, as a hospital in the area reported at least 40 had been injured in the stampede.

"Some of the injured are in desperate condition," said Olinga Prudence, a nurse.

"We will have to evacuate them to a specialised hospital."

The injured were rushed to the nearby Messassi hospital by police and civilians, officials said.

Witnesses at the stadium said children were among those involved in the incident, as others said it took place when stadium stewards closed the gates and stopped allowing people in.

Officials said about 50,000 people had tried to attend the match.

The stadium has a capacity of 60,000 but it was not meant to be more than 80% full due to COVID restrictions.

In a statement, the Confederation of African Football said that it is "aware of the incident" at the Olembe Stadium and are "trying to get more details on what transpired".

"We are in constant communication with Cameroon government and the local organising committee," CAF said.

"Tonight, the CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe sent the general secretary, Veron Mosengo-Omba, to visit the supporters in hospital in Yaounde."

In a tweet Cameroon's Minister of Public Health, Manaouda Malachie said: "I have just visited the hospitals that received the victims of today's incident at the Olembe Stadium, to show them all the compassion of the Presidential Couple. Everything is in place for their free care and optimal support. Stay strong!"

Premier League club Everton paid tribute to those who lost their lives outside the stadium.

In a tweet, the club wrote: "The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Everton are with the families of those fans who have lost their lives and anyone affected by the tragic events at today's #AFCON2021 match between Cameroon and Comoros in Yaounde. RIP."

On the pitch, Cameroon won the game 2-1 to reach the quarter-finals.

Details of the tragedy outside the stadium were only confirmed after the game.

Cameroon is hosting Africa's flagship football tournament for the first time in 50 years.

The host nation is scheduled to face The Gambia, another tournament debutant, on Saturday in the quarter-final.