Ghana international Raphael Dwamena dead after collapsing on a pitch in Albania
Former Black Stars forward Raphael Dwamena has died after suffering a cardiac attack in a league game on Saturday, November 11.
The 28-year-old lost consciousness in the 23rd minute during the league match between his side Egnatia and Partizan and was immediately taken to the hospital.
Dwamena, however, did not survive upon arrival at the hospital leading to the unfortunate incident.
When Raphael Dwamena collapsed on the pitch on November 11, 2023
His death was subsequently confirmed by the Albanian Football Association through a statement minutes after the incident.
“The Albanian Football Federation expresses deep sorrow for the tragedy that occurred today during the 13th-week match of the ‘Abissnet Superiore,’ Egnatia-Partizani,” the statement said.
“Footballer Raphael Dwamena lost consciousness during the match, and after the initial medical intervention on the field, he was transported to the hospital by ambulance.
“Despite immediate intervention by specialist doctors and all subsequent efforts to revive him, unfortunately, the footballer has passed away.
“AFBF extends its deepest condolences to the Dwamena family and the Egnatia club for this great loss, an event that has shocked the entire Albanian football community.
“The Football Federation announces that all scheduled matches for this weekend in all football championships in Albania will be postponed to a later date.”
The Ghana Football Association also confirmed the news with a statement on their social media platforms.
Initial signs of cardiac issues popped up in 2017 after the player failed a medical ahead of a move to Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion.
He had an ICD implant and continued to have cardiac issues, including high readings during matches at Vejle and collapsing during a game with Blau-Weiss Linz.
In November 2021, CAF Medical Officer, Dr Prince Pamboe advised the Ghanaian striker Raphael Dwamena to consider retiring from active football due to his heart-related problems.
Dr. Prince Pambo, who is a Sports Physician, thinks Rafael Dwamena should take a break from football to allow his doctors to fully assess the roots of his heart issues.#JoySports pic.twitter.com/gaNdZezKz6— ⬅️ #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) October 28, 2021
“It is time his manager sits with Raphael Dwamena and have a discussion with him,” he said.
“Whatever device was implanted in his heart either could have gotten worse or created another problem thus there is the need to do a re-evaluation.”
Dawmena’s death comes as a shock as he had been playing with the implanted defibrillator for quite a long time.
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