AFCON 2025: Remains Of Late Journalist Mohamed Soumaré Arrive In Mali

AFCON 2025: Remains Of Late Journalist Mohamed Soumaré Arrive In Mali

Sampson Adedeji

The remains of late Malian journalist Mohamed Soumaré, who passed away in Rabat while covering the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, arrived in Bamako, Mali, in the early hours of Sunday at about 1:23 a.m., BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Soumaré, a respected media professional, will be laid to rest later on Saturday, January 18, as family members, colleagues, friends, and football stakeholders gather to bid him a final farewell.

Upon the arrival of his remains, officials of Stade Malien, alongside members of the media fraternity, supporters, and loved ones, paid their last respects in an atmosphere filled with grief and tributes.

In Morocco, Soumaré was honoured by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the AFCON media community. 

A minute of silence was observed before the pre-match press conferences of Senegal and Morocco, as well as during the briefing addressed by CAF President Patrice Motsepe.

The Media Main Centre at the tournament venue also paid tribute to the late journalist by displaying his portrait in the media room, in recognition of his service and dedication to African football journalism.

Mohamed Soumaré’s death has left a deep void in the African sports media space, with tributes continuing to pour in from across the continent.