One player is feared dead after armed robbers opened fire on the team bus of Ghana Premier League side Berekum Chelsea in return from a game against FC Samartex on Sunday.
The player is said to have received head injuries and was sent to a nearby hospital for treatment.
In an official statement posted on the club’s Facebook page, Berekum Chelsea revealed that masked men wielding guns and assault rifles blocked the road to prevent the team’s passage.
When the driver attempted to reverse, the gunmen opened fire on the bus, forcing players and staff to abandon the vehicle and take cover in surrounding bushes.
“Masked men wielding guns and assault rifles started shooting at our bus as the driver tried to reverse,” the club stated.
“The players and staff fled into nearby bushes to take cover.”
Berekum Chelsea expressed gratitude to several parties for their support following the harrowing ordeal, including the police patrol team for their rapid response, sports journalists who quickly disseminated information, and the town of Ahyiresu for providing temporary shelter to the affected players and officials.
The club also praised officials of fellow club Bibiani Gold Stars for offering “tremendous support,” and extended special thanks to the President of the Ghana Football Association for his prompt response.
The incident raises serious concerns about the safety of football clubs travelling across Ghana’s road network, particularly in remote areas.