‘You served Ghana well’ – Asamoah Gyan mourns ex-Black Stars, Kotoko striker Opoku Afriyie

Striker, Asamoah Gyan has expressed his sorrow at the demise of former Black Stars and Kumasi Asante Kotoko forward, Opoku Afriyie.

Afriyie died on Sunday in Kumasi having reportedly been unwell for some time.

Gyan who worked with Afriyie while he was Team Manager of the Black Stars, reminisced the ‘many moments’ they spent together during that period.

He described Afriyie as the “striker’s striker” in his tweet on Sunday and stated that Afriyie who’s immense ability in front of goal earned him the nickname “Bayie”, had “served his country well.”

“Oh? “Nii Opoku”, The Striker’s striker…so many moments together when you were the Team Manager of the Black Stars..you served your country well Orignal “Bayie” ..go easy legend..May your soul rest in peace,” Gyan said in his tweet.

Aside from the fact that both have been deadly strikers for the Black Stars, both Afriyie and Gyan also served as captains for the senior national team.

Original Bayie

Opoku Afryie, admired throughout his professional career for his wonderful finishing ability, was one of the few players to play for Ghana’s two biggest clubs; Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko.

His time at the Kumasi club was probably more significant as he captained the side and he went on to become the club’s team manager in 2003, a job he later took up for the Black Stars as well.

He was top scorer in Ghana’s top-flight twice in his career; in 1979 and two years later in 1981, when he led Kotoko to the league title.

Afriyie made his mark for the national team as well playing in Ghana’s 1978 AFCON-winning team and scoring both goals in the final as Ghana won the cup for keeps against Uganda.

He also scored in Ghana’s opening group game at that tournament; a 2-1 win over Zambia.

Afriyie was ranked the eighth-best player in Africa in 1982.

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