Cameroon's Patrick Ekeng collapses and dies during football match

Tragedy struck in the Romanian capital as Cameroon international Patrick Ekeng died after he collapsed during a match with Dinamo Bucharest on Friday, doctors said. He was 26.

Cristian Pandrea, a spokesman for the Floreasca Emeregency Hospital, said doctors tried unsuccessfully for an hour to resuscitate the Cameroon midfielder. He said the cause of death was not known. Local media are reporting that he had a heart attack.

Ekeng collapsed in the 69th minute, just seven minutes after he went on as a substitute. The home match between Dinamo and Viitorul Constanta was at 3-3 and being broadcast live when midfielder Ekeng fell to the ground. 

Ekeng was immediately taken to the hospital, where dozens of fans gathered outside.

Players and staff could be seen crying as events unfolded. Some went with him to the hospital.

He has played for Spanish club Cordoba CF, Swiss club Lausanne, and French club Le Mans. He made two appearances in friendlies for Cameroon in January 2015.