Ghana U20 coach Desmond Ofei eager to see Jerry Afriyie earn Black Stars call-up

Ghana U20 head coach Desmond Ofei is eager to see his star forward, Jerry Afriyie, make the leap to the senior national team, the Black Stars, in the not-too-distant future.The Thoughts FC forward was named both the Best Player and Top Scorer of the 2024 WAFU B U20 Championship in Togo, where he played a pivotal role in Ghanas run to the final.Despite a 2-1 defeat to Nigeria in the final, Afriyies performances were a key factor in securing Ghana’s qualification for the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations.Ofei, who has closely worked with Afriyie, believes the young forward has the potential to progress to the highest level.With Jerry, we’re really happy because he’s a very hungry lad, down to earth, and you know, he’s a goal scorer, so I’m really happy for him, Ofei said.His future looks very, very bright, and it’s up to him to take the next step, hopefully to Europe, to join a good team where he can play, and hopefully get an opportunity with the Black Stars.”Afriyies remarkable tournament saw him net five goals in five games, including a consolation in the final against Nigeria.He also scored a brace in Ghana’s opening match against Benin and added another goal in the final group game against Togo.