CAF pay tribute to former Ghanaian player Opoku Afriyie

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) on Monday paid tribute to the Ghana Football Association on the passing of national player Opoku Afriyie.

The legendary striker died on Sunday, in Kumasi after a short illness. He was 65.

“I extend my sincere sympathies to the Ghanaian football family following the demise of Opoku Afriyie, also a legend in African football circles,” said Caf president Ahmad Ahmad.

“Our thoughts are with you and the bereaved family during this difficult period.

Afriyie won the Africa Cup of Nations twice, in 1978 and 1982. However, he is famous for scoring both goals in the final against Uganda in 1978 in Accra, as Ghana won a then historic third title.

Nicknamed ‘Bayie’, meaning wizard in his native Akan language, he was the leading marksman of his boyhood club, Asante Kotoko, during his peak. He was crowned top scorer in the Ghanaian top-flight in 1979 and 1981.

After retirement, he served as team manager of Asante Kotoko, and Welfare Officer of the Ghana senior national team for a number of years.

In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo