Former Ghana international Joetex Frimpong has revealed the harrowing details of an injury he sustained during a 2006 World Cup qualifier against Uganda, which nearly cost him his life.
Frimpong, who represented the Black Stars from 2005 to 2009, was capped 11 times and scored two goals for his country.
The incident occurred at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, where Ghana faced off against Uganda.
Frimpong was unable to complete the match after a brutal collision with the opposing goalkeeper.
Recounting the incident, the 41-year-old forward described suffering a serious rib injury that could have been fatal if not for the swift action taken to get him to the hospital.
"Because of the World Cup, I almost died in Kumasi. Against Uganda, we won 2-0. After Essien's goal, I received a pass. It was a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper. I ran, and the goalkeeper jumped, injuring my rib," Frimpong revealed during an interview with ETV.
"After everything I did, because of the World Cup... I was disappointed and sad I didn't go to the World Cup. I didn't believe it. Until now, I am still disappointed," Frimpong added.