Jerry Afriyie, a standout player for Thought FC in the Brong Ahafo Region, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Division Two player in Ghana’s contemporary football era to receive a call-up to the Black Stars for the final group game with Niger in the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers. His remarkable journey highlights the growing recognition of talent in Ghana’s lower football leagues.
Afriyie has been a consistent performer for the Ghana U20 team, playing a pivotal role in their success at the 13th African Games earlier this year, where Ghana emerged victorious. He was the tournament’s top scorer, solidifying his reputation as a prolific forward.
Most recently, he led the Ghana U20 side to qualify for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) during the WAFU Zone B U20 Championship in Togo, where he was crowned both the Goal King and Best Player of the tournament.
This call-up is not just a personal achievement for Afriyie but also a significant moment for Ghanaian football, as it underscores the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) commitment to nurturing and promoting talent from the grassroots. Afriyie’s rise mirrors the GFA’s ongoing efforts to improve the lower leagues by offering talented players opportunities at the national level.
It is worth noting that eight players from Division Two teams competed in the recent WAFU Zone B U20 Championship, while all players in the WAFU Zone B U17 Championship were drawn from colts/juvenile clubs, with no representation from premier clubs. This trend reflects a growing emphasis on the potential of players from the lower tiers of Ghanaian football.
Jerry Afriyie’s achievement echoes the inspiring story of Fatawu Issahaku, who earned a Black Stars call-up and became a starter while playing in the Division One League for Steadfast FC before his move to Leicester City.
As Jerry Afriyie prepares to join the senior national team, his story serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring players across Ghana’s lower leagues, proving that exceptional talent and hard work can lead to incredible opportunities, regardless of the league they play in.