Ghanaian Footballer Raphael Dwamena Dies After Pingsan In The Field

JAKARTA Ghanaian footballer Raphael Dwamena, died at the age of 28 after collapsing on the pitch in a league match in Albania.

Dwamena fell while defending Egnatia against Partizani on Saturday, November 11, 2023, local time.

"Although a specialist doctor immediately intervened, [but] unfortunately he died," the Albania Football Federation (AFL) said, quoted by BBC Sport.

Dwamena is the top scorer in the Albania league this season with nine goals. He also scored nine caps and scored two goals for his country.

This sad news made AFL cancel all matches scheduled for Saturday. They also announced a postponement for all matches scheduled for Albania this week.

"AFL extends its deep condolences to the Dwamena family and Egnatia's club for this huge loss which has shocked the entire Albanian football community," added the federation.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) also feels a deep loss for the death of Dwamena. They extend their condolences to the families of players who are having a difficult time after being left behind by their loved ones.

"He served his country well and showed classes while representing Ghana," GFA president Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku said in a statement.

Dwamena almost joined Brighton in 2017 with a transfer value of 14 million. However, the move did not materialize after he failed a medical test.

The player then defended Levante in La Liga and also played for Real Zaragoza on loan.

In 2021, Dwamena also fainted during a match in Austria. At that time he defended Blau-Weiss Linz against Hartberg.

However, he later recovered and continued his playing career. He reportedly underwent heart surgery and installed an automatic defibrillator.

"Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones in these difficult times. His legacy to our club will last forever," Levante said on social media.

Zaragoza also paid tribute to the player who had defended them.

"We are devastated by the sad news of the death of our former player, Raphael Dwamena. You will always be remembered by Zaragoza fans. Rest in peace," wrote Zaragoza.