Jerry Afriyie: Ghana U20 Star Scores on Black Stars Debut in Defeat to Niger

• Ghana U20 star Jerry Afriyie has made his senior national team debut for the Black Stars
• The teen sensation scored for the Black Stars on his first appearance as Ghana lost to Niger
• The Black Stars ended a disastrous AFCON qualifying campaign with defeat to Niger in Accra

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Jerry Afriyie justified his inclusion in the Black Stars team after scoring in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Niger.

The Black Satellites striker received a late invite from coach Otto Addo following the withdrawal of striker Jordan Ayew due to injury.

The WAFU Zone B U20 best player made an instant impact after scoring moments after his introduction to the game.

Afriyie replaced Ransford-Yeboah Konigsdorffer in the 58th minute and ten minutes later levelled for the Black Stars, who were down to a first-half goal from Ousseini Badamassi.

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Despite his effort, the Black Stars conceded late after Oumar Sako headed home to hand the visitors victory at the Accra Sports Stadium.

West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus had the chance to salvage a point for Ghana from the spot, but the 24-year-old missed his penalty.

Ghana has failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 20 years after finishing bottom of Group F.

The team returns to action in March for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

He is one for the future

Speaking to Kosi Fiaka, a journalist with Woezor TV, at the Accra Sports Stadium, he believes Afriyie could be the man to lead Ghana in the near future.

"I have been impressed with his play, his movements, and, of course, the goal. What a way to mark your debut," he told Yen.com.gh.

"He has shown a lot of promise, and even the ball that resulted in the penalty for Kudus; he was the guy who gave the pass to the captain. He has already shone at the African Games, WAFU and new he is doing it with the Black Stars," he added.

Otto Addo consoles Mohammed Kudus

Earlier, Yen.com.gh reported that Ghana coach Otto Addo quickly walked to Mohammed Kudus to console him after the West Ham United star missed a penalty in the defeat to Niger in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Black Stars were hoping to end the qualifiers in style after a terrible qualifying campaign that saw the former African champions fail to make it to Morocco.

Kudus was presented with the opportunity of salvaging a point for the Black Stars in the final minute of the match against Niger, after winning a penalty.

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Source: YEN.com.gh