African star suffers shock on-field heart attack

An African star is now said to be in an unstable condition after suffering a heart attack during a top-flight match on Monday night.

An Egyptian Premier League tie between Al Ittihad and Modern Future ended on a rather horrifying note after Ahmed Refaat, who plays for the latter club, suffered a heart attack out on the pitch.

Read: Snubbed Real star makes 'final' decision on Africa switch

According to Essentially Sports, the player was introduced to the match as a substitute in the 61st minute, replacing teammate Ali Mahmoud Fouad Zaza.

However, in the 88th minute, Refaat suddenly collapsed, prompting two Al Ittihad players to rush to his aid, before medical staff also swiftly ran on to the field to help.

The winger was said to have lost all consciousness following his collapse, with it reported that his heart stopped for an hour and a half due to severe heart rhythm disturbances, including tachycardia, which rendered him unresponsive to electric shocks.

Refaat was then taken to hospital, where he was placed in intensive care, where he remains in an unstable condition.

It is noted that he has gained a bit of consciousness but his blood pressure is said to remain dangerously low. 

Doctors have reportedly confirmed that the 30-year-old's vital functions are also unstable, and that the winger will therefore be kept under continuous evaluation by medics. 

Furthermore, Refaat, who has played for Egypt on seven occasions to date, is now said to be relying on a ventilator to breathe, with doctors yet to fully establish the cause for the heart attack, although they remain optimistic about the attacker's condition.

Read: OFFICIAL: Manager sacked after headbutting player!

A statement from his club reads: "Ahmed Refaat's heart stopped for over an hour. He remains unstable and cannot be transferred to another hospital at this time. Our prayers are with Ahmed and his family. "

You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.

Click here to register!

WATCH: