Former Minister of Sports, Yankhoba Diattara, has expressed his regret at being unable to attend the opening of the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast on Saturday, January 13.
The distinguished former minister cited prior commitments as the reason for declining the invitation extended by the current head of the national sports department, Lat Diop.
In light of Senegal’s participation in the continental football spectacle, Minister Lat Diop extended invitations to former sports ministers, including Mamadou Lamine Keïta, Mbagnick Ndiaye, Matar Bâ, and Yankhoba Diattara.
However, Mr. Diattara conveyed his inability to accept the invitation through a public note released by his communications department.
“I would like to thank you for the honor you do me by inviting me among your guests of honor to the AFCON in Ivory Coast.
I am very grateful to you. As you can imagine, the constraints linked to commitments made elsewhere prevent me from honoring this invitation,” stated Mr. Diattara in the note.
Despite his absence, he expressed his solidarity and support for Senegal’s national team, vowing to accompany Minister Lat Diop “in prayers so that Senegal, our country, can preserve its title during this AFCON in Ivory Coast.”
The gracious acknowledgment of the invitation and the sincere expression of regret due to prior commitments highlight Yankhoba Diattara’s dedication to his existing obligations, preventing him from participating in the significant sporting event.
The former Minister’s commitment to supporting his successor and offering prayers for Senegal’s success in the tournament adds a touch of sportsmanship to the unfortunate circumstance of his absence from the AFCON 2023 festivities in Ivory Coast.
