BAGHDAD A goalkeeper in Iraq鈥檚 top league hid the death of his newborn daughter from his teammates in order to take part in a key match, the player said Saturday.
鈥淪everal hours before the game my five-day-old daughter died because of complications during birth,鈥� Naft Maysan stopper Alaa Ahmad told AFP.
Ahmad, 21, said he asked his family not to spread the information as he was desperate to play in the match Thursday in order to show off his capabilities against giants Al-Shorta, owned by the interior ministry.
鈥淚 took a lot on myself and did not tell my teammates or coach because I knew they would refuse to let me play,鈥� he said.
Ahmad helped his underdog team to a 1-1 draw against their rivals but while other players began celebrating at the final whistle he said he was 鈥渉it by a bizarre sensation鈥� and collapsed in tears.
News of Ahmad鈥檚 decision spread rapidly on social media and he was flooded with messages of support.
鈥淚t must be totally heartbreaking for him. May he find peace at this horrendous time,鈥� read one tweet. 鈥淪o sad RIP... but what a warrior of a dad,鈥� read another.
Pundits heaped praise on his performance, with one of the match referees saying he put in a 鈥渟pectacular鈥� showing.