2967 views
by
Oluwatomiwa Babalola
– Papa Bouba Diop has been confirmed dead at age 42
– The Senegalese scored the stunner against France in their opening group game at the 2002 World Cup
– Diop was said to have battled an unknown illness for sometime before eventually passing on
PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see Legit.ng News on your Facebook News Feed!
African football family has been thrown into mourning as former Senegal star Papa Bouba Diop has been confirmed dead.
The defender who also doubled as a defensive midfielder was said to have died at the age of 42 after battling with a long time illness.
He scored the only goal that helped the Teranga Lions stun the current world champions France at the 2002 edition of the FIFA World Cup – one of the biggest shocks in football as reported by Goal.
Senegal reached the quarterfinals of the competition as Diop went ahead to score twice his side’s 3-3 group-stage draw with Uruguay before being dumped out by Turkey in the final eight.
Papa Bouba Diop during an international friendly against Ghana.
PA Images via Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
He won 65 caps for the West African country during his seven-year reign with the national team and featured at four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
PAY ATTENTION: Become a member of the leading sports Facebook group ‘Naija Football Fan Zone‘
Diop was part of his team that won silver medal at the 2002 AFCON championship in Mali two decades ago.
During his reign in English football, he won the English FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008, while winning silverware in Switzerland and Greece.
He hanged his professional boots in 2013 having spent just one season with Birmingham City.
Legit.ng earlier reported that Tributes have continued to come in after the death of legendary footballer Diego Maradona at the age of 60.
The Argentine who was recently discharged from the hospital after brain surgery was suspected to have died of heart issues.
Events leading to his burial have already commenced in his home country as president Alberto Fernandez already declared three days of mourning for him.
However, football fans in China have also taken time out to pay their last respect to the god of soccer at the Argentina embassy in Beijing.
Afcon Qualifiers: Sports Minister trains with Super Eagles | Legit TV
