Senegalese Teen Goalkeeper Killed After Ghana Abduction Linked to Fake Football Trials

Overview

• Senegal’s foreign ministry confirmed that 18-year-old Cheikh Touré died in Kumasi on October 17, with his body placed at the Ebenezer morgue in Tafo.
• Preliminary consular findings indicate he may have been targeted by a fraud and extortion network posing as football agents.
• Touré had traveled for what he believed were professional trials and later messages to his family shifted to a ransom demand, according to media reports.
• Kidnappers sought about 850,000 CFA francs (roughly €1,300), while relatives raised around €750 after the mother had earlier provided about €300, before a message reported an 'accident.'
• Ghanaian authorities were formally notified, two embassy officials were sent to Kumasi on October 19 to assist local procedures and prepare repatriation, and an official warning urged young athletes to beware fake trial and contract offers.