The Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has spoken of his sadness after at least 19 supporters died during the Ivory Coast's 5-0 win over Malawi on Sunday. The incident took place before the World Cup qualifier at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny stadium when a wall collapsed, causing panic among fans.

The situation was said to have been worsened by the fact that 50,000 fans were in and around the 45,000 capacity ground in Abidjan. Drogba, who scored twice in the match, said the incident, in which at least 135 people were injured, put football into perspective.

"I am disappointed by what happened, it is hard to take," he said. "Football is nothing, you are talking about the death of 19 people – it is hard to take. When things like that happen, it makes you realise how much people care about their country, their team. Peace to them, it is sad."

The 31-year-old's team-mate for both club and country, Salomon Kalou, who also scored in the match, said: "I am disappointed. My thoughts are with their families, peace to them."

The Barcelona midfielder Yaya Touré, who missed Sunday's match through injury, wants to honour the fans who died.

"After the game I spoke with the captain, Didier Drogba, my brother [Kolo Touré] and the coach. Behind this victory was a tragedy and it's difficult because they are Ivory Coast supporters and we know them well," Touré said. "We have to go as far as we can in this competition for all the people who died.

"Many people come out to the national team games in my country because they are very happy to see the footballers that play in Europe. It's a very important tragedy. We're all conscious that this is something that is very difficult and I want to send a message of solidarity."

Witnesses said a wall at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny stadium collapsed under the weight of fans, who set off the stampede by rushing toward the field.

Fifa has asked for a full report into what caused the tragedy.