U20 AFCON: Called back by his club mid-tournament, he leaves the competition!

A major blow for Ghana in the midst of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt! Jerry Afriyie, the promising 18-year-old forward, has abruptly left the national team after being recalled by his club, CD Lugo, which plays in the Spanish third division.

Decisive against Senegal on matchday two, Afriyie did not feature in the Black Satellites’ crucial victory over Central African Republic (1-0), which secured a spot in the quarter-finals.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed the news in an official statement, clarifying that the departure was the result of “a prior agreement between the Spanish club and the federation.”

Clubs are not required to release players for the U20 AFCON

Since the U20 AFCON is held outside the FIFA international windows, clubs are not obliged to release their players. CD Lugo had already warned that they would request the forward’s return after the first two games.

Despite the desire to keep Afriyie for the remainder of the tournament, the GFA emphasized its commitment to honoring agreements in a spirit of “mutual respect and professionalism.”

Afriyie is on loan from the Saudi club Al-Qadsiah, home to Gabonese star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Amine Jomni |

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African football writer and sports journalist covering football news, stories and insights while sharing his expertise with fans across the continent.