Cameroon player dies as object thrown during match

THE Confederation of African Football has called for tough sanctions after Cameroonian footballer Albert Ebosse died after being hit by an object thrown from the stands during a league match in Algeria on Saturday.

Screengrab from an interview given by Albert Ebosse earlier this year. Picture: Contributed

Ebosse was fatally struck on the head at the end of his side JS Kabylie’s 2-1 defeat against USM Alger in Tizi Ouzou. The 24-year-old had earlier netted Kabylie’s equaliser from the penalty spot before USM Alger went on to score a late winner.

Reacting to news of Ebosse’s death, CAF president Issa Hayatou said: “My thoughts go out to the family and friends of this young man who enjoyed his job peacefully and went further to pursue his passion for football abroad.

He added: “African football cannot be the breeding ground for hooliganism whatsoever. We expect exemplary sanctions to be taken against this grave act of violence.”

Kabylie confirmed Ebosse’s death in a statement on the club’s website and revealed that an investigation had been opened.

It read: “The Ministry of Interior and Local Government, speaking through minister Tayeb Belaiz, has given an instruction to open an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Albert Ebosse.

“The JSK player succumbed to a head injury after being hit in the head at the end of the meeting with USM Alger.”

USM Alger also published a statement on their website expressing sorrow over the tragedy.

It read: “JS Kabylie’s Cameroonian striker has lost his life after being hit in the head by something launched from the stands.

“This terrible news is saddening for football in our nation and in Cameroon and arrives like a bombshell just hours after the meeting with USM Alger which was played (on Saturday) in Tizi Ouzou.

“In these painful circumstances, USM Alger and its members send their deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and to JS Kabylie. May Albert Ebosse rest in peace.”

Ebosse played for Coton Sport FC, Unisport Bafang and Douala AC in his homeland before moving to Malaysian club Perak FA in 2012. He signed for JS Kabylie in July 2013.