RIP: Ivorian defender Moustapha Sylla dies after collapsing during match

The Ivorian club's defender, Moustapha Sylla, died on Sunday after collapsing in the middle of a match, his club said.

"Our defender Moustapha Sylla died this evening after feeling unwell on the pitch during the RCA vs Sol FC match," said a statement from the Racing d'Abidjan club, which sent its condolences to the player's family.

Harrowing video footage from the Ivory Coast shows the left-sided defender taking several steps backwards before losing his balance and dropping down near the centre-circle. Frightened team-mates and opposition players immediately called for the referee to stop the game.

"During his evacuation to the hospital, Moustapha passed away. He arrived at the club last September and was only 21 years old," club president Logossina Cisse told AFP.

On Facebook, the Ivorian Football Federation paid tribute, as a post read: The President of the Ivorian Football Federation and his executive committee regret to announce the death of player Moustapha Sylla, left-back of the Racing Club of Abidjan, on Sunday, March 5, 2023, after falling on the lawn of the Robert Champroux stadium, during the match. Urgently transported to a hospital center, the 21-year-old player unfortunately succumbed to his discomfort.

"In these moments of pain and emotion, the FIF sends its most saddened condolences to the family of the deceased, the leaders and players of the Racing Club of Abidjan, as well as to the Ivorian football family. The FIF asks everyone to pray for the rest of his soul.

The Racing d'Abidjan club, which has been playing in the Ivorian first division since the 2018/2019 season, has a partnership with OGC Nice.

It was crowned champion of Côte d'Ivoire in 2020 and is currently in 7th place in the championship.

Sylla joined RC Abidjan last September from Malian side Djoliba AC.