Youngster Jerry Afriyie makes history with Black Stars call-up

Youngster Jerry Afriyie has made history as the first player from Ghana’s third-tier league to earn a call-up to the Black Stars in Ghana’s contemporary football era.

The young star will join the team for their final 2025 AFCON qualifier against Niger, marking a significant milestone in his career and for grassroots football in Ghana.

Afriyie’s impressive international performances have earned him this honour. He played a pivotal role in Ghana’s triumph at the 2024 African Games, where he emerged as the tournament’s top scorer.

More recently, he led the Ghana U20 team to qualify for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, claiming the Goal King and Best Player awards at the WAFU Zone B Championship in Togo.

This historic call-up highlights the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) growing commitment to scouting and promoting talent from lower leagues.

Afriyie’s rise mirrors that of Fatawu Issahaku, who earned a Black Stars debut while playing in Division One before his move to Leicester City.

As Afriyie prepares for this significant step, his journey is a powerful testament to the opportunities available for talented players across Ghana’s football ecosystem.