Black Stars head coach, Charles Kwablan Akonnor says he’s heartbroken following the death of former national team striker, Opoku Afriyie.
In a tweet on Sunday, Akonnor said he was saddened by Afriyie’s demise.
He added that the former Black Stars captain had given him some great advice during his days as Kotoko where Afriyie was once captain and team manager.
“Sad to hear the passing of former Black Stars player and Team Manager Opoku Afriyie. You will forever be in my heart for the wise counsel you offered me during my days at Kotoko,” Akonnor tweeted.
Former Black Stars captain, Asamoah Gyan has earlier expressed his sorrow over Afriyie’s death, describing him as the ‘Striker’s striker’.
Sad to hear the passing of former Black Stars player and Team Manager Opoku Afriyie.
You will forever be in my heart for the wise counsel you offered me during my days at Kotoko
Rest In Peace legend pic.twitter.com/glvytQJlOZ
— CK Akonnor (@akonnor_ck) March 29, 2020
‘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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