Ghana U20 forward Jerry Afriyie has departed the 2025 CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, returning to his Spanish club CD Lugo ahead of their crucial league fixtures, GHANAsoccernet.com Headquarters can confirm.
The 18-year-old striker left the Ghana camp on Wednesday morning after featuring in the team’s opening two matches at the tournament.
Afriyie’s departure follows a mutual agreement between the Ghana Football Association and CD Lugo, who reluctantly released the player for the tournament.
The Spanish lower-tier side had initially been hesitant to grant permission due to their ongoing battle against relegation. However, the young striker’s strong desire to represent his country at the prestigious youth championship ultimately swayed the decision.
“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,” the club stated last week. “After expressing his desire to be part of his country’s squad, the Club has authorized the Albivermello forward to travel to Egypt to join his national team’s training camp.”
During his brief but impactful stint at the tournament, Afriyie proved to be a key figure for the Black Satellites. He 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.
Afriyie’s absence will be felt as Ghana prepares for their final Group C clash against the Central African Republic. Head coach Desmond Ofei will need to adjust his tactics in the absence of the influential forward, who has been a central figure in the team’s setup over the past two years.
Ghana, currently in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages, will look to secure progression without their talismanic striker.
Meanwhile, Afriyie returns to CD Lugo with valuable international experience, hoping to contribute to his club’s fight for survival in the Spanish lower division.
Source | GHANAsoccernet
