Naby Keita’s cousin was among nine people who died as the bus carrying the Guinean football team Etoile de Guinee tragically crashed on Thursday.
The Professional Football League of Guinea confirmed Almamy Keita was one of the men who lost his life as the team travelled to what was supposed to be their first league match of the season.
The crash occurred just outside the city of Mamou, with the second division side en route to Kankan.
Liverpool midfielder Keita took to Instagram to express his heartbreak, posting the following message: “I am shocked, sad and heartbroken at this terrible news.
“I send my sincere condolences to all families of the victims, as well as the whole sporting family of Guinea.
“Rest in perfect peace guys.”
Ligue Guinéenne de Football Professionnel confirmed the nine players to have died were Almamy Keita, Mohamed Lamine Toure, Kabinet Camara, Mohamed Damaro Camara, Ousmane Sylla, Ibrahima Sylla, Mohamed Lamine Camara, Serdouba Ginola Bangoura and Facinet Mara.
A further 19 people were injured in the incident, with 17 of those in a serious condition.
It is the second fatal road accident involving a Guinean football team since January, when three people died on the bus of Wakriya AC.
The top-flight side crashed into a stationary truck in Friguiadi, killing players Alfred Kargo and Aboubacar Camara, and the bus driver N’Fa Laye.
