Top Sports Journalist Dies in Morocco as AFCON 2025

There is growing concern in Morocco following the reported death of a Malian sports journalist, Mohamed Soumaré, during the closing stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Soumaré’s sudden death has cast a pall over the tournament, particularly among members of the African and international media covering the continent’s premier football competition.

According to reports, the journalist was found dead in his hotel room in Morocco, where he was staying to cover the AFCON 2025 semi-final and final matches.

The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear as investigations are yet to be officially concluded.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Confederation of African Football (CAF) nor the Mali Football Federation has issued an official statement confirming the incident.

The tragic development occurred weeks after Mali exited the tournament at the round-of-16 stage, but Soumaré reportedly remained in Morocco on professional duty to cover the latter stages of the competition.

Meanwhile, Nigeria, Senegal, Egypt, and host nation Morocco progressed to the semi-finals of the tournament as AFCON 2025 approaches its grand finale.