Legendary Ghana striker Opoku Afriyie, popularly
known as 'Beyie' died on Sunday at the age of 65, family sources have told reporters.
The feared striker, who is among the
few players to have played for both arch rivals Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Hearts
of Oak, passed away with family members present.
The 1978 Africa Cup of Nations winner
had his final breath in his hometown of Kumasi after serving Ghana football in
various capacities as a footballer and an administrator.
The cause of his death remains unknown
as family members have kept the information close to their chest.
Opoku Afriyie won the top scorer award
in the Ghana Premier League two times which made him one feared attackers on
the continent of Africa despite his diminutive figure.
He played for Asante Kotoko for several
years before signing for arch rivals Hearts of Oak prior to ending his
footballing career which caused a huge controversy in the country.
Opoku Afriyie is among 20 other
Ghanaians nominated by CAF out of a total of 200 African footballers
for the title of the best African player of the last 50 years.
After retiring from the game, Opoku
Afriyie was appointed team manager of Asante Kotoko in 2003. He has also
served as the team manager and welfare officer of the Black Stars.
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 the title.
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