• World Cup qualifiers

Suicide bombers targeted World Cup qualifier

ESPN staff
October 15, 2013

Two Somali suicide bombers who planned to target fans at a World Cup qualifying game in Ethiopia on Sunday blew themselves up accidentally before they could carry out an attack, the Ethiopian government stated on Monday.

The explosion happened in the Bole district of Addis Ababa, three miles from the stadium where thousands of fans had gathered for Ethiopia's match with Nigeria.

It was reported that explosives, hand grenades, arms and football shirts were found at a residential address an hour prior to kick-off, while three suspects were detained.

"They were Somali nationals and plotted to carry out a suicide attack disguised as fans on either the stadium or areas where large crowds gathered to watch the game," government spokesman Shimeles Kemal said.

"Heavy police presence must have caused their nervousness and state of agitation which led to the detonation that caused their own death.".

There has been no claim of responsibility.

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