Former Ghana soccer player Raphael Dwamena died after collapsing on the field during an Albanian Super League soccer match on Saturday.
The death was confirmed by the Albanian Football Federation.
Dwamena was just 28.
Footage of the incident shows Dwamena attempting to run before falling forward on the ground.
“Our thoughts are with the family of Raphael Dwamena at this difficult time,” the association added, via the New York Post.
“Raphael represented Ghana wholeheartedly and paid his dues to the country until his unfortunate passing. We will forever miss him for his dedication to the National Coarse. Rest In Peace Raphael.”
Watch
🚨 Video of how Ghanian footballer Raphael Dwamena passed away after collapsing on the pitch on Albanian superliga match Egnan – Partizan
— OllikBrown🇳🇬⚽️🇬🇧 (@OllikBrown) November 12, 2023
May his soul rest in peace 💔🪦⚽️
Adesanya || Mr Bayo || So MTN || Trippier || Zainab || Asake || Girona || Davido || Trossard || Tottenham… pic.twitter.com/zgUopdHpbL
AP reported:
Footage on social media appeared to show the player by himself and falling over on the field in the 24th minute of the match between Dwamena’s Egnatia and Partizani.
Other players rushed over and, despite immediate medical intervention, the federation said, “the player unfortunately passed away.”
The game was halted at 1-1 with no further play.
Dwamena, this season’s top scorer with nine goals in the Albanian Super League, made eight appearances for Ghana and scored twice.
“The Ghana Football Association is sad to hear of the death of our former player Raphael Dwamena and wish to express our deepest condolences to his family at this difficult moment,” it said in a statement.
No details over a possible cause were given by the Albanian federation but local media reports focused on the player’s previous heart problems, including one game in 2021 with Austria’s Blau-Veis Linz when he was hospitalized with heart problems.
Dwamena’s career also included stints in Spain, Denmark and Switzerland.
The Brazilian coach of the Albanian national team, Sylvinho, said on social media: “Rest in peace. Condolences to family and friends.”
Spanish clubs Levante and Zaragoza expressed condolences over the death of their former player.
Dwamena signed for Levante in 2018 and played one season before being loaned out to Zaragoza, where he played in 2019-20.
Zaragoza said on X:
“We are devastated by the sad news of the passing of our former player Raphael Dwamena. You will always be in the memory of Zaragoza’s fans. Rest in peace.”
READ: Top British Olympian, 56, Dies from Massive Heart Attack
