Al-Wakrah star Ousmane Coulibaly collapsed during the first-half of a QNB Stars League clash against Al Rayyan, and the Qatari league has confirmed the 32-year-old suffered a heart attack
By Patrick Austen-Hardy
Al Wakrah star Ousmane Coulibaly suffered a heart attack during a domestic match in Qatar.
The 32-year-old was competing against Al Rayyan during a QNB Stars League clash.
However, the Mali international collapsed late in the first half, sparking horrifying flashbacks to Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest in last summer’s European Championships.
Medical professionals sprinted onto the pitch to treat the central defender, stopping the match in its tracks to allow time for treatment.
When the severity and danger of the situation was assessed, the match was abandoned and awarded as a 1-0 win for Al Rayyan, as that was the score at the time of the incident.
“It may be noted that the player is currently receiving necessary medical care and attention.
“The Qatar Stars League wishes the player a fast recovery, and we would like to thank the medical staff of both teams, paramedics and doctors for their great efforts during such events.
“Regarding the status of the match, it was agreed to end it and complete the remaining time later starting with the score when it was stopped (1-0 in favour of Al Rayyan).”
The Qatar Player’s Association also offered their best wishes to the 32-year-old on social media.
They tweeted: “Get well soon Ousmane Coulibaly.”
While Coulibaly now plies his trade in Qatar, the Mali star has played most of his football in Europe.
Coulibaly’s early footballing years were spent at French sides Brest and Guingamp before he moved to Greece to play for Platanias and Panathinaikos.
