A friendly international football match in Tanzania came to an unexpected and dramatic halt when a large swarm of bees invaded the pitch, forcing players, officials, and media personnel to stop the game for several minutes.
The bizarre incident occurred during the Tanzanite Preseason Tournament on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Kwaraa Stadium, a popular venue known for hosting regional competitions and friendly matches in Tanzania.
The match, which pitted Nigeria’s City FC Abuja against Zanzibar’s JKU FC, was highly anticipated, drawing a sizable crowd of local fans eager to witness competitive football action and the tournament’s kickoff excitement. Spectators filled the stands, waving flags and chanting as both teams battled for control of the ball in the opening minutes.
Chaos on the Pitch as Bees Swarm
In the 78th minute of the game, chaos erupted when a swarm of bees suddenly descended onto the pitch. The insects flew in from a tree near the stadium, causing panic among the players. Match officials immediately instructed everyone on the field to lie flat on the ground as a safety precaution to avoid being stung or injured. Players from both teams, regardless of whether they had possession of the ball at the time, carefully obeyed the instructions, lying still and waiting for the swarm to disperse.
It wasn’t just the players who sought cover camera crews, photographers, and other media personnel also paused their work, some crouching behind equipment or nearby benches, as the bees continued to buzz aggressively across the field. Fans in the stands watched the unusual scene unfold, with many gasping, pointing, or taking out their phones to record the moment. Stadium staff tried to calm spectators while ensuring the safety of everyone present.
Possible Causes of the Swarm
While the exact cause of the bees’ sudden appearance remains unclear, some officials and local experts speculated that the unusual weather conditions over the past week, combined with nearby flowering trees, may have stirred the hive and driven the insects toward the stadium. Others suggested that vibrations from the ongoing match, including loud cheering from the stands, could have disturbed the bees.
Resuming Play and Finishing the Match
After several tense minutes, the swarm finally dispersed, allowing the referee to safely resume play. Both teams quickly returned to their positions, and the match continued without further interruptions. Despite the unusual pause, the players maintained focus and energy, determined to finish the game strongly. City FC Abuja ultimately managed to secure a 2–1 victory over JKU FC, thrilling their traveling supporters.
The remainder of the match saw intense exchanges in midfield, with City FC Abuja controlling possession and JKU FC attempting several counterattacks. The stadium atmosphere returned to normal, with fans applauding the players’ resilience and cheering as the final whistle blew. Officials praised both teams for handling the incident professionally and noted that the quick response helped prevent any injuries.
Fans and Media React to the Incident
Kwaraa Stadium officials later confirmed that no one was stung or harmed during the unexpected interruption, and the event has since become a memorable highlight for fans, who took to social media to share videos and photos of the bee invasion. The match will likely be remembered not just for City FC Abuja’s win, but also for the bizarre and unusual interruption caused by the swarm of bees.