Ex-Ghana and Ajax star Abubakari Yakubu dead at 35 after illness

African football rocked by shock death of ex-Black Stars midfielder who starred in Champions League while in Amsterdam.

FORMER Ghana and Ajax star Abubakari Yakubu has died, aged 35.

The defensive midfielder has passed away in hospital after an illness, the Ghanaian FA have announced.

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They tweeted: “We’re sad to hear the death of former Ghana, Ajax and Vitesse midfielder Abubakari. Our thoughts are with his family. May his soul RIP.”

Abubakari made 16 appearances for the Black Stars, and was part of their squad in the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations.

But he failed to make the final cut for the squad who competed in the World Cup in Germany later that year.

Abubakari enjoyed a good career in Holland after leaving Africa as a 17-year-old to join Ajax.

GETTY: Yakubu Abubakar joined Ajax at the age of 17 and won two titles with the club

During his time in Amsterdam he won two Eredivisie titles in 2002 and 2004, and also played in the Champions League with the Dutch club.

He then left to join Vitesse Arnheim, where he played for five years.

The versatile player, who could also play in defence, represented Ghana at every age group from under-17 upwards.

Few details have been given as to how Abukakari died, other than he was admitted to hospital in Ghana earlier this week where he was place on life-support.

But it is understood he died on Tuesday afternoon after doctors were unable to treat his condition.