Ghana’s 1978 Afcon winner, Opoku Afriyie was confirmed dead on Sunday, March 30, 2020 after battling illness according to a reliable source.
“We can confirm that Opoku Afriyie has passed on. This is unfortunate news to the Porcupine family,” Asante Kotoko public relations officer Kennedy Boakye.
Following his death, there has been calls from former footballers for the late Opoku Afriyie to be given a state burial per his contribution to football at both club and national team levels.
The first to champion this call, is former Asante Kotoko player Ntow Gyan, who strongly believes Legends of the game must be celebrated before they die.
“I don’t think both Opoku Afriyie and Kwesi Owusu will be left like that without a state burial, it’s a must, they must be given a state burial. Our politicians should listen and know the vital roles these legends played in our game.” Ntow Gyan told Takoradi based radio station, Spice 91.9 FM.
“Now the focus should be on the young ones coming up, we should learn to celeberate them and not to wait till they are no more.” He added.
Opoku Afryie scored twice to help the Black Stars beat Uganda in the 1978 Afcon final and also featured in the 1980 tournament.
He became the top scorer in the Ghana domestic football league in 1979 and 1981.