On March 16, 1978, Ghana etched its name permanently into African football history after defeating Uganda 2–0 to win the African Cup of Nations at the Accra Sports Stadium. The victory secured Ghana’s third continental title, making the Black Stars the first nation to win the tournament three times and permanently keep the coveted trophy.
Opoku Afriyie’s Historic Brace
The unforgettable final was decided by two goals from striker Opoku Afriyie, whose clinical finishing sealed the victory for Ghana. His performance remains one of the most iconic moments in the history of Ghanaian football and the African Cup of Nations.
The win marked Ghana’s third AFCON triumph after earlier victories in 1963 and 1965, confirming the country’s dominance in African football during the early decades of the competition.
Ghana’s 1978 AFCON Championship Squad
The historic squad featured some of the finest footballers of their generation, drawn from clubs across the Ghanaian league.
Goalkeepers
Joseph Carr (Hasaacas), Abdulai Chesco (Standfast 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 (Standfast 1974).
A Defining Moment in Ghanaian Football
The 1978 victory remains one of the most celebrated moments in Ghana’s sporting history. By winning the tournament for the third time, Ghana earned the right to permanently keep the AFCON trophy, symbolizing the nation’s footballing excellence and legacy on the African continent.
Nearly five decades later, the achievements of the 1978 Black Stars continue to inspire generations of Ghanaian footballers and fans who proudly remember the team that made history on home soil.
