Unusual scenes in Tanzania: A pre-season football match was temporarily halted in the 77th minute when a swarm of bees swept over the pitch.
Players, officials, and even ball boys dropped flat to the ground — a survival tactic recommended globally when bees swarm.
Bees are… pic.twitter.com/IRC4NXqiIV
— The Guardian Nigeria (@GuardianNigeria) September 4, 2025
Unusual scenes in Tanzania: A pre-season football match was temporarily halted in the 77th minute when a swarm of bees swept over the pitch.
Players, officials, and even ball boys dropped flat to the ground — a survival tactic recommended globally when bees swarm.
Bees are typically less aggressive when swarming, as they’re simply following their queen after gorging on honey. But sudden movement, swatting, or running can trigger attacks. By lying low and staying still, those on the pitch reduced their chances of being stung and avoided provoking the swarm.
The scoreline at the time was one-all but, in reality, it was Nature 1 – Football 0 🐝⚽
Would you have had the patience to lie still, or would panic have taken over?