Cote d’Ivoire goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangaré has lost his father a day after his error gave Sierra Leone a point against his team at the 2021 AFCON.
The 35-year-old attempted to catch a back header to prevent the ball from going out for a corner, but slipped.
The ball subsequently fell to the feet of Steven Caulker who cut back for Alhaji Kamara to tap in to make it 2-2.
After the incident, Sangaré was taken off injured and Serge Aurier was forced into goal for the remainder of the match.
Sebastien Haller had put the Elephants in front in the first half but Sierra Leone restored parity early in the second half through Musa Noah Kamara.
Nicolas Pepe’s 65th-minute goal seemed to have secured all three points for Cote d’Ivoire until the goalkeeper howler.
While Sangaré was still getting bashed on social media for the mistake, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Monday via Twitter that he had lost his father.
“Our hearts go out to #TeamCotedIvoire goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangaré who lost his father earlier today. Stay strong,” the post read.
It was not immediately clear if he would be released to join his family at this difficult moment.
