Ghanaian forward Jerry Afriyie continued his impressive debut campaign in Belgium despite ending on the losing side, as RAAL La Louviere fell 2-1 to league leaders Union Saint-Gilloise in the Jupiler Pro League on Sunday.
The highly-rated Ghana U-20 striker gave RAAL La Louviere a dream start at the Joseph Marien Stadium, breaking the deadlock in just the 5th minute with a well-taken finish to silence the home crowd.
It was Afriyie’s fourth league goal of the season, underlining his growing influence in attack.
Union SG, however, gradually grew into the contest and were rewarded shortly before the interval.
Experienced midfielder Rob Schoofs restored parity on the brink of halftime, ensuring the teams went into the break level.
The Belgian champions pushed for a winner in the second half and finally completed the comeback eight minutes from time, when Brazilian forward Guilherme Smith struck the decisive goal to seal all three points for the hosts.
The match also saw a Ghanaian milestone as Black Stars midfielder Majeed Ashimeru made his competitive debut for La Louviere, coming on in the 77th minute following his recent move to the club.
On the opposite side, compatriot Mohammed Fuseini was introduced as a substitute for Union Saint-Gilloise.
Afriyie has now registered four goals in 20 league appearances this season, continuing to show promise in his maiden Jupiler Pro League campaign.
