Uganda 'keeper Abel Dhaira, 28, dies of cancer

Ugandan national team shot-stopper Abel Dhaira has died after succumbing to cancer. He was 28.

The 11-time capped international was in Iceland playing for top-flight side IBV Vestmannaeyjar when he was diagnosed with cancer in recent months.

"Dhaira was a magnificent goalkeeper with so many tricks and always put on a smile irrespective of the results for his team," read a statement posted Sunday on the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) website. "We are saddened by the death of Dhaira and football will miss a 'keeper many people loved seeing saving penalties."

A minute's silence will be observed before the Cranes host the return leg of a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Burkina Faso on Tuesday at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.

According to BBC Sport, Dhaira's health took a turn for the worse in January while playing in his native Uganda with URA FC, and he was hospitalised in Kampala before returning to Iceland for further treatment.

Just days ago, FUFA and Dhaira's family had launched a fundraiser in Walukuba, Uganda.

Former Uganda teammate Andrew Mwesgwa paid tribute to the 'keeper, saying, "On a sad note we have lost our brother Abel Dhaira who has just died a few minutes back."