Cheikhou Kouyate’s Heartbreaking Departure from AFCON 2023 Following Father’s Demise

Tragic Turn of Events for Senegal’s Star Player

Senegal’s national football team faces a somber moment as Cheikhou Kouyate, the seasoned 34-year-old player from Nottingham Forest, bids farewell to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023. This sudden departure follows the tragic death of Kouyate’s father.

A Grieving Football Community

In Senegal’s recent triumph against Gambia with a 3-0 victory, Kouyate, despite being listed as an unused substitute, is now grappling with a profound personal loss. The Senegalese Football Federation issued an official statement expressing deep condolences and acknowledging the painful circumstances surrounding Mr. Bangiougou Kouyate’s passing.

Condolences and Support Pour In

Football enthusiasts and supporters, including those from Nottingham Forest, have flooded social media with messages of support. The Senegalese Football Federation’s decision to permit Kouyate to attend his father’s funeral has been widely applauded as a compassionate and humane choice during these trying times.

One Forest supporter expressed, “Extending my heartfelt condolences to Cheikhou and his family at this time,” capturing the sentiment echoed by many. Another supporter commended the Federation’s decision, stating, “Very good decision of the FSF to authorize Cheikhou to accompany his dad to his final resting place.”

A Revered Player’s Journey

Cheikhou Kouyate, a stalwart in Senegal’s football landscape, made his senior debut in 2012 and has been a consistent presence in crucial tournaments, including the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. His initiation into the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2015, shortly after joining West Ham, marked a significant chapter in his illustrious career.

Final Goodbye in Dakar

The funeral proceedings for Mr. Bangiougou Kouyate are scheduled for Wednesday, January 17, at the Khar Yalla mosque, followed by the burial at the Musalman cemetery in Yoff, Dakar. The football community unites in grief, offering condolences to Cheikhou Kouyate and his family during this challenging time.

Mr. Azhar ul Haq Wahid - Editor Mr. Azhar ul Haq Wahid joins "To The Sports News" as an Editor, bringing a decade of comprehensive journalistic experience to our team. A respected Pakistani journalist, he has dedicated his career to covering a wide array of global issues across the world, demonstrating a deep understanding of complex subjects and a commitment to detailed reporting. Mr. Wahid has a background working with prominent print and electronic media organizations, including Channel Five TV, the newspaper "Khabrain," The Nation/Nawa-i-Waqt, NNI, Daily Sama, City 42, Star Asia, Waqt News, Daily The Business, and Daily The Khabrain. His work has covered areas such as Environment, Health, and Sports. He is also a member of the Lahore Press Club, the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and the Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ), highlighting his dedication to journalistic standards and diverse reporting. His academic background includes a BS Honors degree in Sociology and an MPhil from Punjab University, alongside a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sargodha. Furthermore, Mr. Wahid is a Ph.D. candidate in Journalism at Complutense University of Madrid, and has contributed to research on topics including the relationship of sports participation with achievement, motivation, and innovation traits among university students, and the effects of parental involvement on student participation in sports. With his extensive experience in covering diverse topics and his keen analytical skills, Mr. Azhar ul Haq Wahid is poised to lead our sports news coverage with depth, accuracy, and insightful perspectives, ensuring our readers receive top-tier journalistic content.

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