Footballer, 20, shot dead as team bus attacked in horrific armed robbery | Football | Sport
A young footballer has been killed after gunmen opened fire on a team bus in a horrific armed robbery in Ghana. Dominic Frimpong, a winger for Berekum Chelsea, died after being shot in the head in the ambush following his side’s top-flight meeting with FC Samartex. The bus was travelling on the Bibiani-Goaso road when their path was reportedly blocked by a group of robbers wielding guns.
They unleased a barrage of bullets as terrified players and staff ran for their lives, diving into nearby trees and bushes. Frimpong was shot in the head and died after being rushed to hospital, while several others are still believed to be missing. The winger, 20, had been one of his team’s bright sparks with two goals in 11 appearances since the start of the season.
“Masked men welding guns and assault rifles started shooting at our bus as the driver tried to reverse. The players and staff fled into nearby bushes to take cover.
“We are grateful to the police patrol team for its rapid response, sports journalists who quickly decimated the information, the town of Ashiresu which provided temporary shelter for our players and officials of Bibiani Gold stars who have offered tremendous support.
“We are also grateful to all well-wishers and, last but not the least, the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for his prompt response in this difficult moment.”
The shocking incident has stunned the nation, with the country’s football association being left in a state of ‘profound shock and deep sorrow’.
In a statement, the GFA said: “This tragic incident is not only a huge loss to Berekum Chelsea but also to Ghana football as a whole. Dominic was a promising young talent whose dedication and passion for the game embodied the spirit of our league.
“The GFA is in constant communication with the club and relevant authorities, including the Ghana Police Service, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident. We urge that all necessary measures be taken to ensure justice is served.
“Furthermore, the GFA will engage key stakeholders to review and strengthen security arrangements for clubs travelling for domestic competitions to prevent such tragic occurrences in the future.
“We call on the entire football community to unite in support of Berekum Chelsea and the bereaved family in this moment of grief. May the soul of Dominic Frimpong rest in perfect peace.”
A manhunt has been launched to find the attackers, who remain at large, while efforts are still ongoing to locate the missing players who scattered during the horrific ordeal.
