Ghanaian footballer Raphael Dwamena has passed away following a collapse during a match in the Albanian Superliga between FK Egnatia and KF Partizani.
The 28-year-old collapsed in the 23rd minute of the game and was promptly transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Dwamena had been playing with an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) due to a pre-existing heart condition.
“Rest in Peace to KF Egnatia’s Raphael Dwamena. The Ghanian collapsed on the pitch during the Superliga match between Egnatia and Partizani. He later passed away in the hospital at the age of 28,” wrote Albania Footy, confirming the death of the Ghana international.
The tall forward initially encountered a heart condition when his transfer to Brighton faced obstacles, leading to the failure of his medical examination.
Subsequently, he went back to Austria, continuing to play for Austria Lustenau and later FC Zurich, before securing a significant transfer to Levante in Spain.
However, following various instances of collapsing, his career took a turn as he relocated to Albania, where he was offered another opportunity.
He featured in nine matches for the Black Stars of Ghana, marking his debut for the national team with a goal.
“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!,” wrote the Ghana Football Association.
He initiated his professional journey with Red Bull Salzburg before transitioning to Austria Lustenau. His career also encompassed stints with FC Zurich, Levante, Real Zaragoza, Velje Bodklub, BW Linz, and KF Egnatia.