Former Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has hailed Jerry Afriyie as a “different player” and backed the young striker to play a key role in Ghana’s crucial U-20 AFCON quarterfinal against Egypt.
Afriyie, who had impressed in the group stages, was absent for Ghana’s last match after briefly returning to his Spanish club CD Lugo, following a prior arrangement between the club and the Ghana Football Association.
Now back with the Black Satellites, Afriyie is expected to feature in Monday’s all-important clash, where a semi-final spot and World Cup qualification are up for grabs.
Agyemang-Badu believes the youngster’s return could be the difference.
“He [Afriyie] is our talisman,” he told 3sports.
“He has the experience [having] played for the Black Stars so when he goes there [Black Satellites], you see he is a different player.
“It is very good to have some players like this in your team and we thank the FA, his club [CD Lugo] for allowing to come and help us. He will score for us and we are going to qualify.”
Afriyie’s sharp movement and creativity were crucial to Ghana’s progress from the group stage, and fans will be hoping he can rediscover that form against the hosts.
The Satellites will be looking to return to the U-20 World Cup stage for the first time since 2015.
The match against Egypt promises to be a stern test of Ghana’s ambitions.
