U-20 AFCON: Ghana striker Jerry Afriyie to miss clash against Central African Republic

Jerry Afriyie. Photo credit: GFA Communications

The Ghana U-20 National Team will miss the service of striker Jerry Afriyie following his departure from the team’s camp on Wednesday, May 7.

The 18-year-old striker left the Ghana camp after featuring in the team’s opening two Group C matches at the U-20 AFCON tournament in Egypt.

Afriyie’s departure follows a mutual agreement between the Ghana Football Association and Spanish lower-tier club, CD Lugo, who hesitantly released the player for the tournament.

CD Lugo had initially been hesitant to release the player for the tournament due to their struggle against relegation. However, the young striker’s strong desire to represent his country at the youth championship forced the club to reconsider its decision.

In a statement last week, the Spanish club said: “Club Deportivo Lugo announces that its player Jerry Afriyie has been called up to the Ghana U-20 national team for the matches corresponding to the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations being held these days in Egypt.”

After expressing his desire to be part of his country's squad, the club authorised the Albivermello forward to travel to Egypt to join his national team's training camp.”

Afriyie came off the bench in Ghana's opening 1-1 draw against DR Congo and played a decisive role in the 1-0 victory over defending champions Senegal, providing the crucial assist for Emmanuel Mensah's match-winning goal.

The Black Satellites’ last group game is against the Central African Republic but they will be without the presence of the former Thought FC striker, Afriyie.

Ghana currently have four points from two opening matches, the same as DR Congo.