Former Asante Kotoko captain Papa Arko passes away

In a sombre turn of events, former Kumasi Asante Kotoko captain, Papa Arko, has passed away.

The iconic figure, who played a pivotal role in leading the Porcupine Warriors to their last African triumph in 1983, breathed his last in the early hours of Sunday, November 26, following a brief illness.

Popularly known as ‘Soccer Bob Marley,' Papa Arko's legacy extends beyond the football field, leaving an indelible mark on Asante Kotoko's history. The legendary midfielder played a crucial role in securing the club's 1983 Champions League victory against Al Ahly.

The official announcement of Arko's demise came through a post on Asante Kotoko's Twitter account. The club expressed deep sorrow, stating, "Everyone at Asante Kotoko is devastated by the news that our 1983 Champions League winning Captain, Papa Arkoh, has passed away in Accra. Our thoughts are with his family and his former mates 🕊️."

Beyond his contributions to club football, Papa Arko also represented the Black Stars, showcasing his talent on the international stage and participating in two African Cup of Nations tournaments.

His passing adds to the recent losses suffered by Kotoko, with Joe Debrah's demise in October and former winger Robert Eshun's passing in London.