Mauritanian football mourns the passing of Sall Moustapha, better known as Petit Sall, who died on September 2, 2025, at the age of 58. A symbolic figure of national football, he leaves behind a strong legacy both as a player and as a coach. His name will forever be linked to the history of Mauritanian football.
Born in 1967, Sall Moustapha shone on the field as one of the country’s most talented players. Initially a midfielder and later a defender, he notably scored decisive goals in multiple finals of the President’s Cup, leading his teams ASC Sonader Ksar and ASC Sonalec to victory during the 1990s. Later, he played for ASAC Concorde until the early 2000s before embarking on a coaching career.
As a coach, Sall left an indelible mark. He managed the Mauritanian national team twice and served as a major assistant coach under Corentin Martins, contributing significantly to Mauritania’s historic first qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations finals in 2019. He also coached prominent clubs such as ASAC Concorde and FC Nouadhibou. His discipline, passion, and commitment were widely admired by players and sports journalists alike.
The Mauritanian Football Federation paid tribute to his exemplary career and personal qualities, highlighting his professionalism and genuine relationships with everyone. The African football community loses one of its most respected figures, whose memory will continue to inspire future generations of footballers in Mauritania and beyond.