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Bee Swarm Halts Tanzanian Pre-Season Match, City FC Abuja Win After Restart

Officials instructed players and staff to lie flat as the insects passed, with no official cause confirmed.

Overview

  • In Babati’s Kwaraa Stadium, the pre-season fixture between Nigeria’s City FC Abuja and Zanzibar’s JKU FC was paused in the 78th minute when a swarm of bees crossed the pitch.
  • Players, referees, ballboys and a TV cameraman lay flat on the turf, and substitutes sheltered under benches, with most spectators staying seated.
  • The swarm dispersed after several minutes, play resumed, and City FC Abuja secured a late winner to take the match.
  • Local outlet Afrizum reported no stings and floated weather changes or stadium vibrations as possible factors, though no authoritative explanation has been issued.
  • Video of the incident spread widely online, including ESPN FC sharing footage via @azamtvtz, drawing comparisons to prior insect-related interruptions in sport.