In an inspiring twist of fate, Jerry Afriyie has risen from the humble pitches of Ghana’s third-tier league to earn a historic call-up to the Black Stars. His selection for Ghana’s final 2025 AFCON qualifier against Niger marks a groundbreaking moment, as he becomes the first player from the third tier to achieve this feat in the modern era.

Afriyie’s meteoric rise has been fueled by remarkable performances on international stages. At the 2024 African Games, he dazzled as Ghana’s top scorer, helping the nation secure the gold medal. His momentum carried into the WAFU Zone B U20 Championship in Togo, where he claimed both the Goal King and Best Player awards while leading the Ghana U20 team to qualify for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

This milestone is more than personal—it reflects the Ghana Football Association’s renewed focus on grassroots talent. Afriyie’s story is a beacon of hope, proving that even players from the lower divisions can reach the pinnacle of Ghanaian football. His journey echoes the rise of Fatawu Issahaku, who made his Black Stars debut while playing in Division One before a move to Leicester City.

As Afriyie joins the national team, his story stands as a testament to determination, raw talent, and the power of opportunity in Ghana’s football ecosystem.