Algerian footballer dies after being hit by an object thrown from the crowd

Cairo: A footballer has died after being hit in the head by an object thrown from the crowd at a top-flight league game in Algeria.

The Confederation of African Football said Cameroonian striker Albert Ebosse died in hospital Saturday night after he was struck at the match between JS Kabylie and USM Alger in the northern city of Tizi Ouzou.

Ebosse's club JS Kabylie said the 24-year-old forward suffered the head injury when he was hit at the end of the game. He had scored in the 2-1 home loss and was the leading scorer in the Algerian league last season.

Kabylie said a police investigation would be opened. CAF President Issa Hayatou said Africa's top football body expects "exemplary sanctions to be taken against this grave act of violence."