Cameroon midfielder dies after collapsing on field

Cameroon footballer Patrick Ekeng has died of a suspected heat attack after collapsing on the pitch during a first division match on Friday with his Romanian side Dinamo Bucharest.

The 26-year-old midfielder fell to the ground without any contact with another player during the 70th minute of Dinamo’s game against Viitorul, only seven minutes after coming on as a substitute.

Ekeng, who joined Dinamo Bucharest in January, was rushed to the hospital but medics were unable to resuscitate him.

“Resuscitation attempts were made for an hour and a half without success,” Dinamo team doctor Liviu Batineanu told the press.

Fans of the Romanian club gathered outside the hospital late into the night to express their grief at the player’s death.

Club executive director Ionel Danciulescu expressed his shock after a death that recalled that of another Dinamo player Catalian Haldan, who died during a friendly match in October 2000.

“I can’t believe it. It’s a nightmare. For me, for the team and for all Dinamo supporters. It’s too much,” he said. “It’s as if we are cursed.”

Before joining Dinamo, Ekeng had played for several European clubs, spending four seasons with French Ligue 2 side Le Mans from 2009 to 2013.

He was transferred to Swiss side Lausanne for the 2013-2014 season, before joining Spanish side Cordoba the following season and Dinamo last January.

Ekeng made his debut for Cameroon in January 2015 and was named in their squad for the 2015 African Cup of Nations.

His death echoes that of his countryman Marc-Viven Foe, who died of a heart attack in 2003 while playing a Confederations Cup match against Colombia in France.

Cameroon international midfielder and captain Stephane Mbia tweeted his shock.

"Our Cameroon football family has lost a brother. I cannot believe this. Condolences to his family. RIP Patrick Ekeng."

His former club Cordoba also tweeted: "There are no words to express our sorrow over the death of Patrick Ekeng. We mourn your loss. We will never forget you friend. RIP."

The Spanish La Liga also took to Twitter to express their condolences alongside a photo of the player in his Cordoba shirt.

"La Liga expresses its regret at the death of Patrick Ekeng and sends its condolences to his loved ones."