Today marks 48 years since Ghana made history at the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Uganda 2-0 in the final at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The win was a milestone for Ghanaian football, as the country became the first nation to win the AFCON trophy three times, allowing them to keep it permanently. 

Opoku Afriyie scored both goals in the final, securing the triumph for Ghana and etching his name into the nation’s football history.

The team, captained by Awuley Quaye, featured some of the country’s most celebrated players, including Karim Abdul Razak and Mohammed Polo, whose performances inspired generations of football fans.

Ghana’s 1978 AFCON Squad

Goalkeepers: Joseph Carr, Abdulai Chesco, Fuseini Salifu

Defenders: P.S.K. Paha, Ofei Ansah, Haruna Yusif, Isaac Acquaye, Awuley Quaye, James Kuuku Dadzie, Justice Moore

Midfielders: Adolf Armah, John Nketia Yawson, Addae Kyenkyehene, Karim Abdul Razak, Mohammed Polo

Forwards: Dan Kayede, George Alhassan, Emmanuel Quarshie, Opoku Afriyie, Anas Seidu, Willie Klutse, Kuntu Blankson

While Ghana would go on to win a fourth AFCON title in 1982, the 1978 victory remains a defining moment in the nation’s football history — a testament to skill, teamwork, and perseverance.