A Lightning strike, not unlike this one, struck Joao Contreras Fuentes. Source: Supplied

The Mirror reports that Joao Contreras Fuentes was playing forSport Aguilain a semi-final match when the storm hit as players waited for the second half to start.

In the footage, a large bang can be heard with a puff of smoke appearing above the player who is immediately knocked to the ground.

Players can be seen running to the aid of the 21-year-old.

A number of other players and referees were also injured in the strike.

Flash ... A lightning bolt lights up the sports field in Peru. Picture: YouTube Source: YouTube

“Thank God he’s okay, he’s getting better, and now we’re just thinking about his recovery,” Sport Aguila captain Amilcar Lobon told the newspaper Diario Correo.

“It’s difficult to imagine this situation that just doesn’t happen in Huancayo.

“As I reiterate, the important thing is that our friend Joao is out of danger.”

Initial reports in local media reported that Fuentes had died, but the Peruvian Football Federation was quick to correct the rumblings with this angry response.

“Unfortunately the force of nature has caused a serious impact to the health of one of the Sport Aguila players and one of the refereeing team,” a statement said on their website.

“We regret that some media have released definitive news about the death of the Sport Aguila player, without having checked the news and in clear violation of the fundamental rules of prudence, since the player and the referee have family and therefore deserve respect.”