Mandela family death casts shadow over World Cup

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The death of Nelson Mandela's great-granddaughter cast a shadow over the opening day of the World Cup today, dampening the spirits of a nation proud and excited to be hosting the world's most popular sporting event.

Zenani Mandela, 13, was killed in a car accident on the way home from a World Cup concert in Soweto on Thursday night, where tens of thousands of people had sung and danced with headline music stars Shakira and the Black Eyed Peas.

The Nelson Mandela foundation said later Mandela would not attend today's World Cup opening ceremony and game in Johannesburg, dashing South Africans' hopes the frail 91-year-old former president would make a rare appearance.

Mandela and his family were "torn up" by the accident, the foundation added. Mandela would be at the ceremony in spirit, a foundation spokesman added.