Ghanaian international footballer Raphael Dwamena, aged 28, collapsed and dies during a football match in Albania.
The Ghana Football Association confirmed the news, expressing their condolences to the striker’s family and remembering his dedication to representing his nation.
In an official statement, the Ghana Football Association stated, “Our thoughts are with the family of Raphael Dwamena at this difficult time.
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.”
The striker collapsed during a match in the 24th minute of an Albanian top-division game between Partizani, and his current team, KF Egnatia.
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The match stood at 1-1 prior to his collapse and was subsequently abandoned.
Video footage circulating online appears to capture the moment when Dwamena collapsed on the pitch, prompting players from both teams to rush to his aid.
Despite immediate medical attention and the arrival of an ambulance, he suffered cardiac arrest and passed away on the way to Kavajë Hospital.
The incident led to the suspension and postponement of all sports events in Albania as a mark of respect for the fallen footballer.
Health History
Raphael Dwamena, whose football career spanned various European clubs including Levante in Spain, clubs in Switzerland, Austria, and Denmark, had previously experienced a similar collapse in October 2021 during a match in the Austrian Cup, but he recovered and returned to the field.
His journey in professional football took him from Levante, where he signed a four-year contract in 2018, to a loan spell at Real Zaragoza.
Dwamena faced challenges with his health, leading to a recommendation for immediate withdrawal and retirement from football in October 2019.
However, he persisted after receiving an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in January 2020.
Later, Dwamena moved to Vejle Boldklub in the Danish Superliga in August 2020.
Despite scoring on his debut, complications with his heart condition arose, ultimately leading to his withdrawal from team activities.
His time at Vejle ended in October 2020 due to his ongoing health concerns.
Dwamena returned to Austria and signed with Blau-Weiß Linz in June 2021. Unfortunately, his career in Austria was cut short once again when he collapsed during an Austrian Cup game in October 2021.
Dwamena’s final professional chapter saw him join the Albanian side Egnatia Rrogozhinë in December 2022.
On the international stage, Dwamena made his mark, debuting for the Ghanaian national team on June 11, 2017, in an African Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia.
