In March 2022, Kwadwo Baah Agyemang, former National Sports Authority (NSA) board chairman, revealed that AS Roma’s 19-year-old sensation Felix Afena-Gyan had been named in the Black Stars squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff matches against Nigeria. Speaking to Starr FM in Accra, Agyemang confirmed, “Felix Afena-Gyan is in the Black Stars team to face Nigeria,” marking a significant moment for the young striker who had previously declined call-ups to focus on his development at the Serie A club. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) had been closely monitoring Afena-Gyan since his breakthrough under Jose Mourinho at Roma, where he made 14 appearances and scored two goals in the 2021/22 season.
Overcoming Past Rejections
Afena-Gyan’s inclusion followed two prior instances where he turned down invitations to represent Ghana. In November 2021, coach Milovan Rajevac named him in the squad for World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Ethiopia, but the teenager opted to prioritize his growth at Roma. Similarly, ahead of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon, Afena-Gyan declined a call-up, citing the need to focus on his club career under Mourinho’s guidance. His decision to join the Black Stars for the Nigeria playoff, scheduled for March 25, 2022, at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, and the return leg on March 29, 2022, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, reflected his readiness to make an international impact.
Strategic Preparation for Nigeria Clash
The Black Stars, under interim coach Otto Addo, were yet to officially announce the squad at the time of Agyemang’s revelation, with players expected to arrive in Ghana on Monday, March 21, 2022. The team planned to travel to Kumasi on Tuesday for a training camp, with their first session set for Tuesday evening at Baba Yara Stadium. Afena-Gyan’s inclusion was seen as a boost, given his pace and versatility, which Addo hoped would trouble Nigeria’s defense, led by William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun. Ghana aimed to secure one of Africa’s five World Cup slots, having missed the 2018 tournament in Russia but previously competed in 2006, 2010, and 2014.
Afena-Gyan’s Impact and Expectations
Afena-Gyan’s debut proved impactful, as he started both legs of the playoff, impressing in the 0-0 first-leg draw in Kumasi and contributing to Ghana’s 1-1 draw in Abuja, which secured qualification via the away goals rule. His performance, including a key pass that led to a chance for Fatawu Issahaku, earned praise from Addo and fans, despite a muscle strain forcing him off in the 81st minute of the first leg. His acceptance of the call-up marked a turning point, with the Sempe native expressing gratitude to the Baba Yara crowd, tweeting, “Amazing crowd! Grateful for the show of love and support. I’m ok. We go again on Tuesday.”
Ghana’s World Cup Ambitions
Ghana’s qualification for Qatar 2022, where they faced Portugal, Uruguay, and South Korea in Group H, fulfilled their ambition to return to the global stage. Afena-Gyan’s emergence as a Black Stars starter highlighted his potential as a future star, with his Roma form—scoring twice against Genoa in November 2021—translating to international promise. The playoff victory over Nigeria in the Jollof Derby underscored Ghana’s resilience, with Afena-Gyan’s inclusion proving a masterstroke by Addo and the GFA.
