Mauritanian football is in mourning following the tragic passing of Mohamed El Mokhtar, a promising talent who died at the tender age of 21 after sustaining a serious injury during training.
The young goalkeeper, who played for local club AS Douanes in Nouakchott, suffered a devastating head injury in a collision with a teammate during a training session last week.
Despite receiving immediate medical attention and being hospitalized, El Mokhtar’s condition deteriorated rapidly, and he slipped into a coma.
Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries just hours before the highly anticipated President’s Cup final between AS Douanes and FC Nouadhibou.
The Mauritanian Football Federation (FFRIM) confirmed the heartbreaking news, expressing profound sorrow over the loss of El Mokhtar.
In a press release, the FFRIM announced the indefinite postponement of the President’s Cup final, acknowledging the immense impact of El Mokhtar’s untimely death on both his club and the Mauritanian football community.
“The Mauritanian Football Federation, in consultation with the Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports, and Relations with Parliament, has decided to postpone the final of the 2023 President’s Cup due to the tragic loss of young Mohamed El Mokhtar,” stated the FFRIM.
El Mokhtar, who represented Mauritania at the U20 level, showcased great promise during his brief but impactful career.
Despite his young age, he earned three caps for the U20 national team during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Mauritania.
His talent and dedication were further recognized when he received call-ups to the senior national team, although he had yet to make his debut.
The Mauritanian football community, along with fans worldwide, mourns the loss of Mohamed El Mokhtar, remembering him as a talented athlete with a bright future ahead.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, teammates, and all those affected by this tragic loss. May his soul rest in peace.
بقلوب يعتصرها الحزن والأسى؛ تنعي الاتحادية الموريتانية لكرة القدم حارس مرمى المنتخب الوطني ونادي الجمارك الشاب محمد المختار؛ الذي وافته المنية صباح اليوم السبت في نواكشوط.
عُرف الشاب الفقيد بحبه الكبير لوطنه، وبموهبته والتزامه وانضباطه، فكان مثالاً بين زملائه على الإخلاص… pic.twitter.com/bM7SHsNKYs
— FFRIM – عربي (@ffrim_AR) March 16, 2024
