AT least 15 were killed and another 52 injured last night as fans stampeded following Zambia's 3-0 win over Sudan, a victory that advanced Zambia to the second round of World Cup qualifying.

Police Inspector General Francis Ndlovu confirmed at least six fans died at the scene when several thousand of the estimated crowd of 40,000 at Independence Stadium apparently rushed to leave to get a glimpse of the winning team.

Witnesses said most of the crowd already had left and only one of five main stadium gates remained open when panic erupted, crushing fans against a wall which collapsed on them.

The game was played amid heavy security following three recent sabotage bombings against government targets.

A technician from the state television service who refused to give his name said panic worsened when some fans believed a bomb scare triggered the stampede.