Former Ghanaian striker Raphael Dwamena passed away after collapsing during an Albanian Super League match on Saturday. The Albanian Football Federation confirmed the tragic death of the 28-year-old athlete. Video clips circulating on social media depict Dwamena alone on the field, falling in the 24th minute of the Egnatia versus Partizani match.
Despite prompt medical intervention by fellow players, the federation regretfully announced that “the player unfortunately passed away.” The match, tied at 1-1, was immediately halted with no further play. Dwamena, the leading scorer of the season with nine goals in the Albanian Super League, had eight appearances for Ghana, scoring twice.
Expressing condolences, the Ghana Football Association stated, “The Ghana Football Association is saddened by the death of our former player Raphael Dwamena and extends our deepest condolences to his family during this challenging time.” While the Albanian federation did not provide details on the possible cause, local media reports emphasized Dwamena’s previous heart issues, including a 2021 game with Austria’s Blau-Veis Linz that led to hospitalization.
Dwamena’s diverse career included spells in Spain with Levante and Real Zaragoza, as well as in Denmark and Switzerland. Sylvinho, the Brazilian coach of the Albanian national team, expressed his condolences on social media, saying, “Rest in peace. Condolences to family and friends.”