It was meant to be just another electric clash between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, a fierce rivalry that draws passion like no other.
But on 9 May 2001, joy turned to horror at the Accra Sports Stadium as the beautiful game took a dark and unforgettable turn.
Frustrated fans began to tear up seats and lob them onto the tracks after tempers flared over the final whistle.
In a bid to control the chaos, police fired tear gas into the crowd – a decision that triggered sheer panic.
The resulting stampede claimed over 125 lives, most of them crushed or suffocated as thousands tried to escape.
It remains the deadliest football tragedy in African history.
In the aftermath, promises were made such as tighter security, better crowd control, and proper emergency exits.
The May 9 Disaster Trust Fund was also launched to support affected families and drive safety reforms.
Every year since, Ghanaians have gathered to remember, not just the victims, but the painful lessons too.
They came for football, but never returned home.
And two decades on, a part of us is still grieving and still hoping we never see such darkness again.
