Ivorian defender Moustapha Sylla dies during top-flight game

The 21-year-old left-back was playing in a Ligue 1 clash for Racing Club Abidjan and SOL FC that was played to completion with Racing claiming a 3-1 win.

Images from the game at the Robert Champroux Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday showed Sylla falling to the ground, but the decision was taken to continue with the game after the player was removed from the field.

The president of Racing, Logossina Cisse, told AFP: "Moustapha Sylla died Sunday night following an illness on the field during the match with Sol FC."

The club added on its Twitter account: "Our defender Sylla Moustapha died this evening after an illness on the pitch.

"Sylla passed away during transport to the hospital. He had arrived in September and was only 21 years old.

"Management sends sincere condolences to his family. Rest in peace Moustapha. Rest in peace LION."