A goalkeeper in Iraq’s top league hid the death of his newborn daughter from his teammates in order to take part in a key match.
Goalkeeper Alaa Ahmad told AFP: “Several hours before the game my five-day-old daughter died due to complications during birth.”
Ahmad, 21, said he asked his family not to spread the information, so he can participate in the match.
“I took a lot on myself and did not tell my teammates or coach because I knew they would refuse to let me play.
I was desperate to play in the match in order to show off my capabilities against giants Al-Shorta” he said.
The game ended with a 1-1 draw. Alaa said: “I had a strange feeling and I was crying, which surprised my colleagues who were happy with the result.”
“After I told them, their moments of joy turned into sadness, and they had overwhelmed me with their emotions, which eased my pain.”
