Heartbroken Nottingham Forest star Cheikhou Kouyate leaves Senegal’s Afcon camp after tragic death of his dad

NOTTINGHAM FOREST star Cheikhou Kouyate has left the Africa Cup of Nations to attend his father’s funeral.

Senegal released a statement confirming the midfielder’s departure from the tournament.

Cheikhou Kouyate has left Afcon to attend his father’s funeralGetty

It reads: “The president of the Senegalese Football Federation Mr Augustin Senghor, the members of the executive committee, the coach of the national football team Mr Aliou Cisse, the players of the national football team and the football family have the regret and deep pain to inform you of the death of Mr Bangiougou Kouyate, father of Cheikhou Kouyate, member of the Senegal national team.

“His death occurred this Tuesday, January 16, in Dakar. The funeral is planned for Wednesday January 17 at the Khar Yalla mosque followed by the burial at the Musalman cemetery in Yoff.

“In this painful circumstance, the Senegalese Football Federation presents its most saddened condolences to Cheikhou Kouyate who was also authorized to leave the national team gathering today, to go to the funeral in Dakar.”

Kouyate, 34, was an unused substitute in Senegal’s Afcon opener as they beat Gambia 3-0.

He was a key part of the team that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2022, and played in the final win over Egypt.

Kouyate has won 90 caps for Senegal and has been to five Afcon tournaments.

Nottingham Forest players will wear black armbands during tonight’s FA Cup replay against Blackpool as a mark of respect.

A club statement said: “Our deepest condolences go out to Cheikhou Kouyaté following the passing of his father.

“Everyone at the club sends their love and thoughts to Cheikhou and his family at this truly difficult time. “We will wear black armbands tonight in memory of Cheikhou’s father. “We are all with you, Cheikhou.” :pray:

Fans have shared their condolences for the Forest star following the tragic news.

One wrote: “May his soul rest in peace.”

Another added: “Peace to his soul may he rest in peace. Courage Kouyate.”

And a third said: “May the almighty grant him rest. ”