Former Ghana coach Fred Osam-Doudu passed away on Tuesday at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, after suffering from a long-term sickness. He was 76.

The veteran manager started his career as a footballer before becoming a coach after retirement. He guided Ghana to win the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations and last handled the Black Stars during the 2002 Afcon edition staged in Mali.

He led Ghana's U20 team, the Black Satellites, to win the 1993 Africa U20 Cup of Nations and finished second during the Fifa World Youth Championship few months later in Australia with players like Augustine Ahinful, Samuel Osei Kuffour, C.K Akunnor and Nii Odartey Lamptey.

In 2004, he was appointed head coach of Gambia's U17 national team and guided them to win the Africa U17 Nations Cup for the first time, defeating Ghana on their way.

Sam Ardy, president of Ghana Coaches Association confirmed Duodo's death.

“It is true. Yes he died on Tuesday around 5:30pm and we will be visiting the family tomorrow,” Ardy was quoted as saying Sportsobama.com.

“Osam Doudu has been ill for some time now but we were notified by the family about his death this evening,” he added.

The burial arrangements for Duodu will be announced by his family early next week after a scheduled family gathering. He is expected to be given a state burial for his role in the country's football development.

Duodu has become the second prominent figure that Ghana has lost within three months after Ben Kuofie, who died in July.