Ghana’s Black Satellites have been handed a timely boost ahead of their quarterfinal clash at the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations with hosts Egypt, as forward Jerry Afriyie returns to the squad.
The CD Lugo striker missed the final group game due to club commitments, but is now back and expected to feature in Monday’s must-win encounter.
Afriyie played a key role in the Black Satellites’ progression to the knockout stages and is seen as central to their World Cup qualification hopes.
Egypt, however, will pose a tough test in front of a home crowd, making Afriyie’s influence even more crucial.
“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,” U-20 World Cup winner Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu said.”
Ghana last reached the U-20 World Cup a decade ago in 2015, and pressure is mounting to return to the global stage.
With a semi-final place and a World Cup ticket on the line, the stakes could not be higher.
