Frank Acheampong wrapped up his Chinese Super League campaign in ruthless style, emerging as Henan FC’s undisputed goal king after smashing in 14 goals across 30 matches, a return that firmly stamped his authority on the club’s attack.
The Ghanaian speedster spent the season terrorising defences with the confidence of a man who knew he was carrying the team’s scoring hopes on his shoulders. Whether it was darting runs, clever movement, or ice-cold finishing, Acheampong delivered the full attacking package week after week.
In the process, he carved his name into Henan FC history, becoming the first African player to ever finish a CSL season as the club’s top scorer, a milestone that further elevated his reputation both in China and back home in Ghana.
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At 31, Acheampong didn’t play like someone easing into the twilight of his career. He was the pulse of Henan’s frontline, repeatedly dragging the team forward during testing stretches of the season. His reliability and work ethic quickly made him a fan favourite, while pundits hailed him as one of the league’s most consistently dangerous attackers.
His numbers didn’t just look good on paper, they kept Henan competitive in a season where they often flirted with trouble. Without his goals, their 10th-place finish and 37-point tally might have looked very different.
But Acheampong’s impact wasn’t limited to league action. He was also a key architect of Henan’s extraordinary return to the Chinese FA Cup after a 30-year absence. The club’s unexpected charge all the way to the final was one of the country’s feel-good stories of the season, even though it ultimately ended in a 3–0 loss to Beijing Guoan. Through it all, Acheampong’s leadership and attacking presence acted as the backbone of the fairytale run.
By the time the season wound down, he had built more than just a stat sheet, he had built a legacy of influence, maturity and unwavering professionalism.
As he now looks ahead to the next chapter, Acheampong stands tall as one of Ghana’s most dependable exports and a shining example of African excellence in the Chinese game.
