Malian forward Salif Keita, the winner of the first African Footballer of the Year award in 1970 and one of the continent’s sporting legends, died in Bamako on Saturday at the age of 76.
Keita enjoyed a long career in France at St Etienne and Olympique de Marseille and also played for Valencia in Spain and Sporting Lisbon before finishing his career in the North American Soccer League.
He debuted for Mali aged 16 and later helped them reach the final of the 1972 Africa Cup of Nations.
From 2005 to 2009 Keita served as president of the Mali Football Federation.
In other news, Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has been included in the list of five best African players in the group stages of the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Nnadozie, who captained the Super Falcons in their three group games, played a crucial role in the side’s passage to the last-16.
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The 22-year-old was in superb form as the Super Falcons held Olympic champions Canada to a 0-0 draw in their opening fixture.
The Paris FC goalie saved Christine Sinclair’s penalty and was duly named Player of the Match.
Nnadozie also made a number of vital saves in Nigeria’s thrilling 3-2 win against co-hosts Australia.
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South African duo, Thembi Kgatlana and Hilda Magaia were also included in the list.
The trio are joined by Atlas Lionesses of Morocco stars, Ibtissam Jraidi and Anissa Lahmari.
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