Ghana’s 1978 African cup winner Opoku Afriyie passes on

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Former Black Star and Asante Kotoko player Opoku Afriyie “Bayie” has kicked the bucket.

The Ghanaian footballing legend passed away in his residence in Kumasi on Sunday, March 29, 2020 at the age of 75. However, details of his death remains unknown.

Speaking to Goal.com, Asante Kotoko public relations officer Kennedy Boakye Ansah said, “We can confirm that Opoku Afriyie has passed on. This is unfortunate news to the Porcupine family”.

Opoku Afriyie in his playing played as a striker. He was an integral member of the Black Stars team that won the African cup in 1978. He scored twice in the final as Ghana defeated Uganda, and was named top scorer of the tournament.

Opoku Afriyie played for Asante Kotoko for several years before signing for Hearts of Oak prior to ending his footballing career.

He was the top scorer in the Ghana domestic football league in 1979 and again in 1981.

In 1982, he was nominated for the French magazine France Football African Footballer of the Year. He came eighth.

He was a member of the squad that won the 1978 African Cup of Nations making Ghana the first team to win it thrice. He scored the two goals in the final of that tournament. He also played in the 1980 African Cup of Nations where Ghana failed to defend its title.

Opoku Afriyie was appointed team manager of Asante Kotoko in 2003. He also served as the team manager and welfare officer of the Black Stars.

Mahamashaibu.com wishes the Ghanaian legend a peaceful rest.

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