AFCON 2023: Senegal star player leaves camp due to family tragedy

It was a sad day in the camp of the Terenga Lions of Senegal when news broke of the demise of Cheikhou Kouyate's father who recently passed away.

The Nottingham Forest defender left the team who are currently in the Ivory Coast as they look to defend their Africa Cup of Nations trophy which they won two years ago in Cameroon (2021). The sad news was confirmed by the Senegalese football federation which was reported by the Daily Mail.

The statement read thus,

"The president of the Senegalese Football Federation Mr Augustin Senghor, the members of the executive committee, the coach of the national football team Mr Aliou Cisse, the players of the national football team and the football family have regret and deep pain to inform you of the death of Mr Bangiougou Kouyate, father of Cheikhou Kouyate, member of the Senegal national team. His death occurred this Tuesday, January 16, in Dakar. The funeral is planned for Wednesday, January 17 at the Khar Yalla mosque followed by the burial at the Musalman cemetery in Yoff."

Kouyate was allowed to leave the camp immediately so he could be present for his father's last rites. He missed the opening game against Gambia and might also not be available when they face Cameroon.