U-20 AFCON: Jerry Afriyie misses Ghana’s crunch final Group match after returning to Spanish side CD Lugo

The 18-year-old departed Egypt on Wednesday morning after playing in Ghana’s opening two matches at the tournament.

His early exit follows a mutual agreement between the Ghana Football Association and CD Lugo, who initially hesitated to release the player due to their precarious position in Spain’s lower-tier league, where they are battling relegation.

Despite their concerns, the club respected Afriyie’s strong desire to represent his country at the prestigious youth competition and allowed him to join the national team for the early stages of the tournament.

Afriyie made a notable impact during his brief time at the tournament. He featured as a substitute in Ghana’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo and delivered a decisive contribution in the team’s 1-0 victory over defending champions Senegal, providing the crucial assist for Emmanuel Mensah’s winning goal.

His absence will be a major blow for head coach Desmond Ofei, who must now rethink his attacking strategy for the final group match. Afriyie has been a pivotal figure in Ghana’s U20 setup over the past two years, known for his creativity, pace, and ability to influence key moments.

Ghana remain in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages, but the loss of their talismanic forward adds an extra layer of challenge as they prepare to face a determined Central African Republic side.

Meanwhile, Afriyie returns to CD Lugo with enhanced experience and confidence from the continental stage, aiming to play a crucial role in helping his club avoid relegation in the final stretch of their domestic campaign.

Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet