Senegal is in mourning following the tragic death of young goalkeeper Cheikh Touré, who was found dead in Ghana after falling victim to a kidnapping scheme orchestrated by individuals posing as football scouts.

According to a statement from Senegal’s Ministry of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, the promising athlete was lured to Ghana under the false pretense of attending a professional trial with a top football club.

Believing his dream of an international career was finally within reach, Cheikh travelled to Ghana full of hope—unaware that he was walking into a carefully planned trap.

Reports indicate that upon his arrival, the fake scouts abducted him and later demanded a ransom from his family. Despite frantic efforts, his relatives were unable to meet the kidnappers’ demands. In a devastating turn of events, the young goalkeeper was killed.

The Senegalese government has confirmed that an investigation is underway in collaboration with Ghanaian authorities.

Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible, and to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the case.

Cheikh Touré was remembered by friends and teammates as a humble, dedicated, and talented young player with a bright future ahead of him.