Former Ghana striker Raphael Dwamena, 28, died after suddenly collapsing on the pitch during an Albanian Super League match.
“Dwamena, this season’s top scorer with nine goals in the Albanian Super League, made eight appearances for Ghana and scored twice,” the Associated Press reports.
Although players rushed to his aid and immediate medical intervention was given, Dwamena tragically passed away.
The Albanian Football Federation confirmed his death.
WATCH:
Raphael Dwamena’s final moments in the game today in Albania League.
RIP to him pic.twitter.com/5rWgiZMIIc
— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) November 11, 2023
YouTube backup:
AP reports:
“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.
NEW – Former FC Zurich player Raphael Dwamena (28) has just passed away after collapsing on the pitch in the Albanian League. pic.twitter.com/A573W9kMQ8
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) November 11, 2023
This Ghanaian Footballer died on the Field of play today.
Rest in Peace Raphael Dwamena. pic.twitter.com/MmNMV08XxH
— The Ilaje Sultan🦸🇳🇬🇬🇧🎯🚤 (@ogunmusi) November 11, 2023
This View of Raphael Dwamena is heartbreaking 😭
https://t.co/ycHlHr9ZAp— TWO TERTY (@TwoTerty_) November 11, 2023
Drop 💔 for Raphael Dwamena
Sad day pic.twitter.com/cBw8xNeusf— Beno SarkCess (@BenopaOnyx1) November 11, 2023
From CNN:
Dwamena previously collapsed in October 2021 during a match between his then team Blau-Weiß Linz and Hartberg in the Austrian Cup, but recovered and returned to action.
During his career, Dwamena played for clubs in Spain, Switzerland, Austria and Denmark.
Levante, one of Dwamena’s former teams, paid tribute to the forward.
“On behalf of Levante, we would like to express our sincere condolences for the death of our former player, Raphael Dwamena,” the club said in a statement.