Tragedy as journalist passes away while covering AFCON 2025
The African football community has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of Malian journalist Mohamed Soumare in Rabat, Morocco.
Soumare, a respected media officer for Stade Malien de Bamako and Head of Marketing and Media at the Malian Professional League, was found unresponsive in his hotel room while covering the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
According to reports, authorities are yet to disclose the exact circumstances surrounding his death, leaving colleagues, fans, and the wider sports media community in shock.
Soumare was in Morocco on official AFCON duty and was scheduled to cover Nigeria’s semi-final clash against Morocco on Wednesday, January 14, just hours before he was found.
Hotel staff reportedly discovered him early in the morning, after which local police and forensic teams arrived at the scene.
Investigations into the cause of death are ongoing, while consular services are working with Moroccan authorities to assist his family.
Tributes have continued to pour in from journalists, broadcasters, and football stakeholders across Africa.
Many described Soumare as a dedicated professional, a mentor to younger journalists, and a strong voice in African sports media.
Colleagues praised his analytical precision, passion for football, and commitment to using the sport as a tool for social cohesion across the continent.
Mohamed Soumare’s death is a painful loss to African football journalism.
His legacy, professionalism, and love for the game remain deeply etched in the hearts of those who worked with him and followed his work.
Check post below…
🚨 Tragic news at AFCON. 😢
A major figure in Malian and African sports journalism, Mohamed Soumaré has passed away in his hotel room in Morocco, where he was to cover the semi-finals and final of the Africa Cup of Nations. 💔
We extend our sincere condolences to his family,… pic.twitter.com/n5QqrPigMg
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 15, 2026
