October 10, 2024
MyNewsGh

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Ghanaian footballer, Raphael Dwamena passed away in Albania on Saturday, November 11, 2023.

The former Black Stars striker collapsed during a game between his side, Egnatia and Partizani on Saturday, but never recovered.

Here are some interesting facts about the striker once thought to be the heir-apparent to the legendary Asamoah Gyan.

Dream debut for Ghana

On June 17, 2017, Raphael Dwamena, then at F.C Zurich, scored twice on his Black Stars debut as Ghana beat Ethiopia 5-0 in an AFCON Qualifier.

The match was the occasion of Asamoah Gyan’s 50th goal for Ghana, but the legend was upstaged by young striker.

Debut specialist

Debuts are special occasions. They signify new beginnings for footballers and athletes in sports. The sense of occasion on such days can be overwhelming. That is why very few players excel on their debut.

Raphael Dwamena belonged to the exclusive class who made a habit of scoring on their debut.

Apart from scoring on his Black Stars debut, Dwamena drew the world’s attention when he scored five goals on his Real Zaragoza debut in 2019.

The tally was impressive. Obviously. But what if I told you that Dwamena managed that despite being a second half substitute in the said match against Peña Ferranca? Yep.

That was Dwamena; making the extraordinary look ordinary.

A devout Christian

Raphael Dwamena was a devoted Christian who never missed an opportunity to share his love for Jesus Christ.

Together with a group of players, Dwamena founded the Footballers For Christ movement. They set out to embolden other professionals players to hare their faith in God and to encourage their colleagues and fans to accept the message of Christ.

He would often share nuggets of Christian-themed wisdom about life through his social media accounts.

Heart problems

In August 2017, a proposed transfer to English club Brighton & Hove Albion fell through after he failed a medical examination. It was the first time his heart problems surfaced.

Three years later and after repeated heart issues, Dwamena underwent surgery for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in January 2020.

This was after several doctors had recommended he retire from the sport.

In October 2020, Danish club Vejle confirmed that Dwamena couldn’t play for a period due to his heart condition. A month later and after repeated heart complications, the club’s sporting director announced that Dwamena had played his last game for Vejle.

In 2021, Dwamena collapsed on the field during an Austrian Cup game against TSV Hartberg. Although he recovered, he was subsequently released by the club after a mutual termination was agreed.

On November 11, 2023, when Dwamena finally gave up the fight after suffering a cardiac arrest during the Egnatia vs. Partizani match. He was pronounced dead at the Kavajë Hospital.



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