Moustapha Sylla dead aged 21: Ivorian defender dies in ambulance after suffering heart attack and collapsing on pitch
MOUSTAPHA SYLLA has died aged 21, his club Racing Club Abidjan have announced.
The Ivorian defender collapsed while playing in a match against SOL FC yesterday.
Sylla received treatment on the pitch after collapsing to the turf before being picked up by an ambulance.
Tragically he died onboard, as confirmed to AFP by club president Logossina Cisse.
Confirming Sylla’s tragic death, Racing Club Abidjan wrote on social media: “Mourning
“Our defender Sylla Moustapha, died this evening after a discomfort on the ground during the RCA vs Sol FC match.
“Management sends sincere condolences to the Biological family
“Rest in peace Moustapha.
“Rest in peace LION”.
Plenty of fans responded to Racing Club Abidjan on social media, with many commenting “rest in peace” with prayer emojis.
Sylla previously played in Mali, joining Racing Club Abidjan from Malian side Djoliba AC last September.
Racing Club have a strategic partnership with French top flight side Nice.
Upon learning of the tragic news, the Ligue 1 outfit wrote: “The #OGCNice joins with emotion in the mourning of
@ClubAbidjan after learning of the tragic death of its player, Sylla Moustapha, after an illness on the ground this Sunday.
“The club sends its condolences and all its support to its loved ones and to the members of the RCA.”
They were Ivorian champions as recently as 2020.