An 18-year-old goalkeeper is in intensive care at a hospital in Malaysia after being struck by lightning on Wednesday.

Stefan Petrovski, of mixed Malaysian and Australian heritage, was hit along with 21-year-old defender Muhd Afiq Azuan as they left training with second tier Melaka United in Malacca on Tuesday.

“He [Petrovski] received initial treatment at the emergency unit. After that, he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit for further treatment,” Malacca Hospital director Dr Za’aba Baba is quoted as saying . “His condition is stable and his breathing is supported with a ventilator.”

Team manager Khairi Anuar Ahmad told the Star newspaper Afiq was “conscious and in stable condition”. He added that 29 players were at the youth training session when the incident happened, with goalkeeper coach Rosli Hashim and physiotherapist Ahmad Faisal Miswanthat fortunate to escape injury.

Petrovski moved to United this season after previously playing for Australian semi-professional side Sydney Olympic. The club has tweeted its support for the player, saying: “Sydney Olympic FC sends its prays and well wishes to Stefan Petrovski and his family in such a difficult time”.