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Professional soccer player, 28, dies after collapsing on field
By Ryan Morik
Published November 11, 2023
A former member of the Ghana national soccer team died Saturday during a game.
Raphael Dwamena was playing for KF Egnatia in the Albanian Super League when he collapsed during the 24th minute of a match against Partizani.
Footage shows Dwamena attempting to run, but he limply fell forward.
Within seconds, players realized the urgency of the matter and rushed toward him.
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Raphael Dwamena of Real Zaragoza during the warmup before a Liga Smart Bank match against CD Tenerife at Romareda Stadium Aug. 17, 2019, in Zaragoza, Spain. (Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Teammates rolled Dwamena onto his back, and it appeared a player administered CPR. An ambulance quickly entered the field.
The Albanian Football Federation confirmed Dwamena "unfortunately passed away," while the Ghana Football Association said he "suffered a heart attack."
"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," the organization said in a statement.
Raphael Dwamena of Levante UD in action during a La Liga match against Club Atletico de Madrid at Ciutat de Valencia May 18, 2019, in Valencia, Spain. (Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
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"Our thoughts are with the family of Raphael Dwamena at this difficult time," the association added, via the New York Post. "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 game was halted with the score tied at one. Dwamena entered the game as the league's leading scorer with nine goals.
Matt Hedges (21) of the United States challenges Raphael Dwamena (11) of Ghana during a game at Whitney Stadium July 1, 2017, in East Hartford, Conn. (Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
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Local media reports say Dwamena was hospitalized in 2021 with heart problems during another game.
Dwamena made nine appearances with the Ghana national team from 2017 to 2018.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/former-ghana-soccer-player-28-dies-collapsing-field