Ghana U20 forward Jerry Afriyie has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the national team as he prepares to fly back to Cairo on Sunday to rejoin the Black Satellites ahead of their crucial Africa U20 Cup of Nations quarter-final showdown against host nation Egypt.
Just 24 hours earlier, the in-form striker delivered a match-saving performance for his club CD Lugo in Spain’s Primera Federación, scoring a dramatic late equalizer and providing an assist in a 2-2 draw against Gimnàstic.
GHANAsoccernet.com can confirm that Afriyie will depart Spain on Sunday to link up with his Ghanaian teammates as they prepare for Monday’s all-important clash — a match that will determine whether Ghana can book a spot at the FIFA U20 World Cup for the first time in over a decade.
Afriyie had previously left Ghana’s camp following a mutual agreement between CD Lugo and the Ghana Football Association, allowing him to support his club during a difficult run in the Spanish lower division. His return proved pivotal as Lugo climbed to 15th on the league table with Saturday’s result.
The 18-year-old has become a vital asset for both club and country, earning praise for his consistency and impact. He was instrumental in Ghana’s progression to the knockout stages of the tournament, providing the decisive assist in the win over reigning champions Senegal.
Afriyie missed Ghana’s group stage finale against the Central African Republic due to his club commitment, but his imminent return is seen as a major boost for Desmond Offei’s side as they aim to return to the global stage.
Ghana face Egypt on Monday in a high-stakes quarter-final encounter, with World Cup qualification hanging in the balance — and Afriyie’s presence could prove decisive once again.
