CAF mourns former Ghana international Opoku Afriyie

CAF has expressed its deepest condolences to the Ghana Football Association on the passing of national figure Opoku Afriyie.

The legendary striker passed away on Sunday, 29 March 2020 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.

"Our thoughts are with you and the bereaved family during this difficult period," said CAF President Ahmad Ahmad.

Afriyie won the Africa Cup of Nations twice, 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 hey days. He was crowned top scorer in the Ghanaian top flight in 1979 and 1981. He will later cross carpet to eternal rivals, Hearts of Oak, at the twilight of his career, becoming one of the first players to feature for Ghana’s two most successful clubs.

After retirement, he served as Team Manager of Asante Kotoko, and Welfare Officer of the Ghana senior national team for some time.