Ghanaian striker Jerry Afriyie has officially departed the Black Satellites camp at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt to return to his club, CD Lugo, in Spain.
The move follows a prior agreement between the Ghana Football Association and the Spanish third-tier side, which only released the player for Ghana’s first two group matches.
Afriyie featured in the 1-1 draw against DR Congo, playing the final 33 minutes, and started the second group match against Senegal, where he assisted the winning goal in Ghana’s 1-0 victory. However, his club had stipulated that he return by May 7 due to their ongoing league campaign, meaning he will miss Ghana’s final group game against the Central African Republic as well as any potential knockout stage appearances.
“After expressing his desire to be part of his country’s squad, the club has authorized the Albivermello forward to travel to Egypt… Jerry will participate in the first two group stage matches… and will return to Lugo on May 7,” CD Lugo confirmed in a statement.
Afriyie’s absence is a significant blow for the Black Satellites, who are pushing for a record-extending fifth U-20 AFCON title and a place at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. The 18-year-old has been a key figure in Ghana’s youth setup, winning both the Golden Boot and Best Player awards at the 2024 WAFU B U-20 Championship, which secured Ghana’s qualification for the AFCON.
He also scored the match-winner in the final of the 2024 African Games and made headlines by scoring on his senior Black Stars debut during an AFCON qualifier against Niger.
Afriyie joined CD Lugo earlier this year on loan from Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah. Since arriving in Spain, he has made seven appearances and scored two goals as the club battles relegation.
The Black Satellites will now face the Central African Republic on May 8 without their star forward, knowing a win or draw could seal their place in the knockout stage.
