Raphael Dwamena, a 28-year-old Ghanaian striker, tragically passed away after collapsing on the field during a league match in Albania. The incident occurred during a game between Egnatia and Partizani on Saturday. Despite the immediate attention of specialized doctors, Raphael Dwamena unfortunately did not survive, as confirmed by the Albanian Football Federation (AFL). This season, Dwamena was the top scorer in the Albanian league with nine goals and had earned nine caps for his national team, scoring two goals.
In response to this devastating event, the AFL expressed their deepest condolences to Dwamena’s family and the Egnatia club, acknowledging the profound impact this loss had on the entire Albanian football community. As a result, Saturday’s match was abandoned, and the federation decided to postpone all scheduled games in Albania for the week. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) also extended their heartfelt sympathies to Dwamena’s family during this challenging time. GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku praised Dwamena’s contributions to the national team, highlighting his exemplary performances.
Dwamena’s career included stints with various clubs, such as Levante in La Liga and Real Zaragoza on loan. In 2017, a planned £14 million transfer to Brighton fell through due to a failed medical examination. Dwamena experienced a similar incident in 2021 during a cup match in Austria, where he collapsed while playing for Blau-Weiss Linz against Hartberg. However, he recovered from that episode and continued his professional career. It has been reported that he underwent heart surgery and received an automatic defibrillator implant.
Levante and Zaragoza, clubs that Raphael Dwamena had been associated with, expressed their grief and paid tribute to the late player. Levante stated on social media that their thoughts were with Dwamena’s family and loved ones during these difficult moments, emphasizing that his legacy in their club would endure. Zaragoza, too, expressed devastation at the news of Dwamena’s passing, assuring that he would always be remembered by the fans of the club. They wished him eternal rest.
