The president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Patrice Motsepe has sent a message of condolences to the Sudan FA , authorities and fans following the death of five club players on Sunday.
In a letter addressed to Sudan FA president Jaafar, Motsepe expressed his sympathy and paid homage to the departed players.
“We have learnt with sadness and shock about the tragic events that resulted in the unfortunate loss of lives of five players from Al-Malaha FC,” he said.
“We are particularly saddened and heartbroken about the reported manner these young men lost their lives. This happens as we were still watching in admiration the progress in your domestic football as demonstrated by your two clubs participating in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends and the Sudanese football family at large. Please, dear President, receive our sincere condolences. “[/perfectpullquote]
Government reports said the five Al-Malaha players perished after a boat they were travelling in capsized in River Nile.
The team was on their way to El-Metamm to face rivals Al-Jarif where the unfortunate incident occurred.
The five deceased players are Waqi’ Allah Abdul Qayyum, Al-Mahdi Hassan Al-Awni, Amer Muhammad Saeed, Ammar Muhammad Saeed and Muhammad Fadl Al-Sayyid Abu Arada.