Ghanaian footballer, Raphael Dwamena, has tragically passed away after collapsing during an Albanian Superliga game between FK Egnatia and KF Partizani.
The 28-year-old collapsed in the 23rd minute of the game and was transported to the hospital, where he was declared dead.
Dwamena had been playing with an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator which he installed in 2020 due to a pre-existing heart problem.
Dwamena’s career faced significant challenges after he was first diagnosed with a heart problem in 2017.
Despite enduring setbacks, including collapsing in two separate games during his time in Austria, the resilient forward continued to pursue his passion for the sport.
Today’s tragic incident, however, has brought a premature end to his promising career.
Reating to his death Ghana football team said: ‘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.’
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.
‘Our thoughts are with his family and his loved ones in these difficult moments. His legacy in our club will last forever,’ Levante said on X.
Zaragoza also 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
