The Black Stars made history by winning their first African Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy under the leadership of former President Dr Kwame Nkrumah on December 1, 1963.

This achievement was made possible through the efforts of the late president, who embarked on various initiatives to assemble a squad capable of winning continental laurels.

Other key figures who contributed to this success included former Black Stars coach Charles Kumi Gyamfi and Ohene Djan, both figures spearheaded projects that significantly influenced the team’s achievements..

In commemoration of March as a month to reflect on Ghana’s history, this article recounts how the nation claimed its first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy.

Police, bloggers and others will be sent to the World Cup – Kofi Adams explains

Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s Contribution

In his bid to revive sports, Dr Nkrumah established the Central Organisation of Sports (COS) on July 1, 1960, appointing Ohene Djan, then Chairman of the Ghana Amateur Football Association (GAFA) as Director of Sports.

On June 12, 1960, during a message to the Annual Conference of GAFA at Ho in the Volta Region, the late president explained his vision for a model club:

“My interest in soccer is so keen that I propose, in the near future, to encourage the formation of a model club which will offer leadership and inspiration to football clubs in the country. This club shall be known as Ghana Republicans to commemorate the launching of your Three-Year Development Plan in the year of our Republic. Football is now in the forefront of Ghana. It is, in fact, our national game,” he said.

As a model club, two players were selected from each team to form the base of an amalgamated Ghana side. This team went on to win one league title and four consecutive FA Cups.

Players from the Ghana Republicans formed the core of the Black Stars squad that won the AFCON in 1963.

Dr Nkrumah also invested in sporting infrastructure, building stadiums and facilities that helped Ghana secure hosting rights for the tournament. Prior to the competition, the government arranged competitive friendlies, including a historical 3-3 draw against Real Madrid.

Government Support for CK Gyamfi

Legendary coach Charles Kumi Gyamfi, who led Ghana to its first AFCON title, was sponsored by the Nkrumah-led government to study coaching in Germany.

His education was later halted so he could take charge of the national team, a decision that paid off handsomely.

Gyamfi went on to make history, winning the AFCON trophy three times and cementing his place as one of Africa’s greatest coaches.

Road to the Final

Ghana debuted at the AFCON with a 1-1 draw against Tunisia on November 24, 1963. Wilberforce Mfum scored Ghana’s first-ever Nations Cup goal in the 11th minute, before Mohamed Salah Jedidi equalised in the 36th minute.

Edward Acquah scored twice as Ghana beat defending champions Ethiopia 2-0 in their next match, booking a place in the final.

Sudan topped their group ahead of Egypt and Nigeria to set up a final clash with Ghana.

The final, hosted at the Accra Sports Stadium, saw the Black Stars defeat Sudan 3-0. Aggrey-Fynn scored from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute, while captain Wilberforce Mfum netted a brace to seal victory and lift the trophy on home soil.

The Winning Squad Players:

Dodoo Ankrah (Real Republicans), Evans Oblitey (Real Republicans), Ben Acheampong (Real Republicans), Franklin Crentsil (Real Republicans), Kwame Adarkwa (Kotoko), Kofi Pare (Real Republicans), Wilberforce Mfum (Kotoko), Agyemang Gyau (Real Republicans), Leonard Acquah (Defence Stars), EE Degraft (Cornerstones), Osei Kofi (Kotoko), Addo Odametey (Real Republicans), Edward Acquah (Real Republicans), Mohammed Salisu (Kotoko), Aggrey-Fynn (Captain, Real Republicans), Ofei Dodoo (Hearts of Oak), Joe Aikens (Cornerstones), Atta Kwame (BA United).

Technical Staff:

Head Coach – CK Gyamfi
Assistant Coach – Ben Kouffie
Team Manager – Kwabena Haggan

SB/JE

Watch highlights from the Ghana Boxing Federation logo unveiling below: