Ivory Coast footballer dies after illness mid-match

Ivory Coast footballer Moustapha Sylla died on Sunday after falling ill while playing in a first division match, his club Racing d'Abidjan announced.

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The 21-year-old defender passed away while being taken to hospital.

"Our defender Moustapha Sylla died this evening following an illness on the pitch during the RCA vs Sol FC match," said a club statement.

"During his evacuation to the hospital, Moustapha died. He arrived at the club last September and was only 21," club president Logossina Cisse confirmed to AFP.

SAD NEWS ??Ivory Coast and Racing Club d'Abidjan defender, Sylla Moustapha has passed away after suffering what looks like a cardiac arrest in his sides Ligue 1 match against SOL FC.Moustapha joined RCA from Malian side Djoliba AC.May his soul REST IN PEACE ?? ???? pic.twitter.com/PNvnEWFiwl

Racing d'Abidjan were national champions in 2020 and are currently seventh in the championship.