A Senegal football club ASC Gadiaga is in mourning after one of its players died and several others were injured in a road accident involving the team bus in the eastern part of the country.
Serigne Fallou Diéye, a goalkeeper, died from injuries sustained in the crash, which happened on Sunday along National Route 1 between the towns of Balla and Goudiry in the Tambacounda region.
The team had been travelling back from Kaolack, where they had played a National 2 championship play-off match the previous day.
Initial reports indicate that the bus collided with a truck that had been parked on the road.
The exact circumstances surrounding the crash remain unclear, but authorities say an investigation is expected to determine responsibility.
According to club officials, a number of players and staff members were injured in the accident.
While many are said to be in stable condition, some suffered serious injuries, including fractures and head trauma, requiring intensive medical care.
All the injured were taken to the Tambacounda Regional Hospital for treatment.
Speaking after the incident, Cheikh Oumar Thiam, secretary general of ASC Gadiaga, confirmed the death of the goalkeeper and provided details of the team’s journey.
He explained that the accident occurred as the squad returned from Kaolack, where they had lost 1-0 to Diamono in a crucial phase of the National 2 competition.
In total, around 20 people were reported injured, with at least seven in serious condition, all of them members of the club’s delegation.
Diéye, described as the team’s second-choice goalkeeper, was not only a footballer but also a teacher.
Reports say he had recently completed his written professional aptitude certificate (CAP) examination and was awaiting his results at the time of his death.
The tragedy has shocked the local football community, with the club and its supporters mourning the loss of a player and colleague.
The incident has also drawn attention to ongoing road safety concerns in Senegal.
Atoumane Sy, Director General of the National Road Safety Agency (ANASER), said the crash highlights the dangers posed by heavy goods vehicles parking on major highways.
He urged drivers to take precautions when stopping on roads and to avoid leaving vehicles parked for extended periods, especially on busy national routes.
The match fixtures in Rabat and Salé had been part of preparations for upcoming competitions, but for ASC Gadiaga, attention is now focused on recovery and mourning.
As investigations continue, the accident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with road travel, particularly for teams covering long distances for domestic competitions across the country.
