Congolese player remains hospitalized after spinal injury

Published Jul. 28, 2015 8:55 a.m. ET

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CAIRO (AP) Republic of Congo international Rudy Ndey was still in a military hospital in Egypt on Tuesday after suffering a serious spinal injury while avoiding a tackle by a goalkeeper in an African club game over the weekend.

Ndey was in stable condition at Air Force Specialized Hospital in Cairo after surgery, the Confederation of African Football said in a statement.

Ndey was injured in an African Confederation Cup match while playing for AC Leopards against Egyptian club Zamalek in Cairo on Sunday. Early in the game, he somersaulted over a tackle by Zamalek goalkeeper Ahmed el Shennawy and landed heavily on the top of his head.

After trying to sit up, Ndey slumped back down onto his back. He was taken from the field on a stretcher.

CAF didn't release details of Ndey's injuries, but Egyptian media, quoting the doctor who treated him, reported that the 29-year-old Leopards captain and forward arrived at the hospital with damage to his spinal cord, breathing difficulties, and bleeding on the brain.

He underwent surgery on Monday, CAF said. Ndey was visited in the hospital by CAF medical director Boubakary Sidiki and Zamalek players, while the Egyptian club said it would pay for his treatment.

Dr. Salah Abdel-Khalek reportedly told Egyptian radio that Ndey was in an intensive care unit and on a ventilator following the surgery.

''He is receiving the necessary medical care,'' CAF medical director Sidiki said in the statement without elaborating.