Bees Disrupt Football Match In Tanzania

A Tanzania Federation Cup clash between Yanga and Iringa United was brought to a temporary halt thanks to the bees that invaded Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

All the players and match officials were forced to take evasive action and lie on the ground in order to avoid the onslaught of the buzzing insects.

The incident occurred in the 52^nd minute, but the play resumed ten minutes afterwards after the firemen dealt with the situation by using fire extinguishers.

But it was not before Yanga defender Ali Mtoni Sonso grabbed his neck after apparently being stung.

The swarm then changed direction to the stands, making fans to aimlessly scamper for safety towards the main stand.

Fans later told local media that a plastic bag had been placed at one of the stands by unknown persons before the bees interrupted the match.

The Saturday’s clash ended with the home side Yanga registering a 4-0 victory with Pappy Tshishimbi, Patrick Sibomana, Lamine Moro and David Molinga scoring the goals.

This was not the first case that bees were invading a football pitch in East Africa.

In December 2015, a Tanzania Premier League match between Yanga and Mtimbwa Sugar was stopped for five minutes after Musa Hassan Mgosi scored the opening goal for sugar millers.

Two years later in neighbouring Kenya, a top division match between Nzoia United and Posta Rangers at Sudi Stadium was stopped for 18 minutes after a swarm of bees invaded the pitch.