On March 16, 1978, the Accra Sports Stadium witness a defining moment in African football history. On that day, the Black Stars, defeated Uganda 2–0 in the final of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) to secure their third AFCON title. This victory was not merely another tournament win, it marked Ghana as the first country to win the AFCON trophy three times, thereby earning the right to retain the original trophy.
The hero of the match was striker Opoku Afriyie, who scored both goals for Ghana. His first came in the 38th minute, giving the home side a deserved lead before the Half-time interval. Afriyie added a second in the 64th minute, putting the result beyond doubt.
Ghana’s dominance throughout the match reflected their status as tournament favourites and demonstrated the strength of domestic football at the time.
The 11th edition of the AFCON tournament was hosted by Ghana, with matches played in Accra and Kumasi. Eight countries competed for the title. The Black Stars progressed impressively through the group stage, defeating Zambia 2–1, drawing 1–1 with rivals Nigeria, and securing a 3–0 victory over Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso).
In the semi-finals, Ghana overcame Tunisia to book their place in the final against Uganda.
The 1978 victory held particular importance as it ended a 13-year drought for the Black Stars, who had previously won the AFCON in 1963 and 1965.
This victory reaffirmed Ghana’s position among Africa’s footballing elite and established a legacy that would inspire future generations. By becoming the first country to claim three AFCON titles, etching its name permanently unto the AFCON trophy
Ghana’s quad
The 1978 AFCON champions comprised a talented group of players drawn from clubs across Ghana. The squad, led by captain Awuley Quaye of Great Olympics, included:
Goalkeepers: Joseph Carr (Hasaacas), Abdulai Chesco (SS 1974), Fuseini Salifu (Asante Kotoko)
Defenders: P.S.K. Paha (Eleven Wise), Ofei Ansah (Hearts of Oak), Haruna Yusif (Corners), Isaac Acquaye (Dumas Boys of GTP), Awuley Quaye (Great Olympics – Captain), James Kuuku Dadzie (Hasaacas), Justice Moore (Eleven Wise)
Midfielders: Adolf Armah (Hearts of Oak), John Nketia Yawson (Eleven Wise), Addae Kyenkyehene (Asante Kotoko), Karim Abdul Razak (Asante Kotoko), Mohammed Ahmed Polo (Hearts of Oak)
Forwards: Dan Kayede (Great Olympics), George Alhassan (Great Olympics), Emmanuel Quarshie (Hasaacas), Opoku Afriyie (Asante Kotoko), Anas Seidu (Hearts of Oak), Willie Klutse (Dumas Boys), Kuntu Blankson (SS 1974)
Players who featured in the Final
In the final match against Uganda, 13 players featured for the team. Joe Carr was in goal. PSK Paha started but was replaced by Ofei Ansah after 33 minutes due to an injury. The captain was Awuley Quaye. The rest of the team included Isaac Acquaye, James Kuuku Dadzie, Kwadwo Addae Kyenkyehene, and John Nketia Yawson. Anas Seidu was later replaced by Dan Kayede. The attacking lineup consisted of Opoku Afriyie, Abdul Razak, and Mohammed Polo.
More than four decades have passed since that all important victory, yet March 16, 1978, remains etched in the collective memory of Ghana Supporters. The victory is remembered for Opoku Afriyie’s decisive goals, the team’s collective effort, and the pride of achieving such a result on home soil.
