The Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca was the scene of tense moments this Sunday during the match between Equatorial Guinea and Sudan, a fixture in the Africa Cup of Nations, after Sudanese goalkeeper Monged Abuzaid suddenly collapsed in the first half of the game.

Around half an hour into the game — the second match of the day, following Mozambique's historic victory against Gabon — Abuzaid collapsed at the edge of his penalty area. The play was happening on the opposite side of the pitch, and the goalkeeper had not suffered any prior physical contact, which heightened concern among players, referees, and fans alike.

Suddenly, the goalkeeper fell unconscious on the pitch, prompting the immediate intervention of medical teams, who rushed onto the field to provide emergency assistance as the game was promptly halted.

To widespread relief, the footballer from El-Merriekh Bentiu, a club in South Sudan, quickly regained consciousness. Television images showed medics conducting what appeared to be a blood glucose test, as part of an initial assessment of the player's clinical condition.

Meanwhile, substitute Mohamed Abooja began warm-up exercises by the touchline, preparing to replace his teammate, as doubts still lingered about Abuzaid's ability to continue the match.

However, the medical examinations conducted on the pitch proved reassuring. According to members of the Sudanese medical team, the collapse was attributed to a momentary drop in blood pressure or glucose levels, with no indications of a serious underlying condition.

Back on his feet near the goal, Abuzaid then underwent orientation and coordination tests, with a member of the technical staff asking him questions and assessing his motor skills through classic visual tracking exercises.

Following the full assessment, Monged Abuzaid received clearance to continue on the pitch, despite the major scare just moments earlier. The match was halted for approximately ten minutes, a period that was fully compensated in first-half stoppage time during the clash between Equatorial Guinea and Sudan.

Monged Abuzaid

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