Ghanaians have paid a glowing tribute to former Ghana and Asante Kotoko star Opoku Afriyie.
The ex-Black Stars striker reportedly passed away on Sunday, 29 March, 2020 in Kumasi.
Opoku Afriyie played for Asante Kotoko for several years before signing for Hearts of Oak prior to ending his footballing career.
He was the top scorer in the Ghana domestic football league in 1979 and again in 1981.
In 1982, he placed 8th on French magazine France Football African Footballer of the Year gong.
READ ALSO: Former Ghana and Kotoko striker Opoku Afriyie dies
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.
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.
Since Opoku’s passing on Sunday, fans including clubs have taken to social media in voicing their sadness over the loss of the two-time AFCON winner.
A fan tweeted: One of the greatest ever to have played the game…Former Black Stars striker Opoku Afriyie…Our hearts and thoughts are with the family at this very difficult time…Rest in Peace Bayie…
Another added: Yesterday was terrible. One of Ghana’s greatest goalscorers, Opoku Afriyie ‘Bayie’ passed on This morning, Ghana’s 2nd all-time goalscorer behind Asamoah Gyan, Kwesi Wusu ‘Power House’ is confirmed dead. Kwesi was Black Stars captain for 9 years Two legends gone in 2 days. RIP
The GFA also paid their tribute: The GFA was deeply saddened to hear of the death of former Asante Kotoko and Hearts Of Oak and Black Stars player & Team Manager Opoku Afriyie. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the ex- national hero in this very difficult time
Yesterday was terrible. One of Ghana's greatest goalscorers, Opoku Afriyie 'Bayie' passed on
This morning, Ghana's 2nd all-time goalscorer behind Asamoah Gyan, Kwesi Wusu 'Power House' is confirmed dead.
Kwesi was Black Stars captain for 9 years
Two legends gone in 2 days. RIP pic.twitter.com/1BQS97WWvX
— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) March 30, 2020
We thought the passing of Opoku Afriyie 'Bayie' was painful enough on Sunday..In the last hour, we have lost yet another iconic Ghanaian star Kwasi Owusu..What a striker he was..Our hearts and thoughts with his family at this very difficult time..RIP…#legend.. pic.twitter.com/PcGLPQwBZN
— Legon Cities FC (@LegonCitiesFC) March 30, 2020
Sad: Former player, Opoku Afriyie who passed on yesterday at age 65 will be profiled on @Nhyira1045Fm Power Sport as our historian, @brightaylor takes us through to his football career from his colts days at age 9. His parent's name and where they come from.
Rest in Peace 'Bayie' pic.twitter.com/Y1PFIKPODB— NHYIRA SPORTS (@nhyirasports1) March 30, 2020
One of the greatest ever to have played the game…Former Black Stars striker Opoku Afriyie…Our hearts and thoughts are with the family at this very difficult time…Rest in Peace Bayie… pic.twitter.com/LlS4IBjxKW
— Kwame Dwomoh Agyeman (@dwomohkwame1) March 30, 2020
Ex Asante Kotoko/Hearts of oak player,@opokuafriyie,who also served the Black Stars as a player and a Team Manager is no more with the living….we @LadiesFabulous bid u farewell pic.twitter.com/nCiChLZfgG
— Fabulous Ladies Football Club (@LadiesFabulous) March 30, 2020
The GFA was deeply saddened to hear of the death of former @AsanteKotoko_SC @HeartsOfOakGH and Black Stars player & Team Manager Opoku Afriyie. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the ex- national hero in this very difficult time pic.twitter.com/2GFvxgIlkM
— Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) March 30, 2020
We are saddened to learn of the passing of our former captain, Opoku Afriyie 😭😭
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and everyone affected by the loss🙏#AKSC #LetStaySafe #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/tbdKJ3Gu6g
— Asante Kotoko SC (@AsanteKotoko_SC) March 29, 2020
Ghana football has been plunged into mourning following the death of former Black Stars and Asante Kotoko striker Opoku Afriyie.
Afriyie, whose nickname is ‘Bayie’, due to his scoring prowess reportedly died on Sunday, March 29, 2020, in Kumasi.
A true legend has fallen. pic.twitter.com/QJBjC9riNt
— Yaw Acoustic (@pboateng953) March 29, 2020
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
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