The 19-year-old Ghanaian player illuminated the Cremonese team to the quarter-final of the Coppa Italia tournament after scoring in the round of 16’s important wins over Napoli.
Afena-Gyan came from the bench in the 65th minute to replace David Okereke, who gave the first goal assist of the clash for his side. Cremonese conceded 2 goals before the whistle blew for halftime.
With a few minutes left to end the match, the Ghanaian player brought hope to the game after he was assisted by L. Zanimacchia to score the equalizer, taking them to Extra time.
Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen came on in extra-time with his side chasing a winner but Ceremonese were resolute defensively, forcing the game to penalties.
With both sides levelled after three penalties, Stanislav Lobotka missed Napoli’s fourth kick.
Osimhen levelled with Napoli’s fifth kick before Afena-Gyan, again, sent Cremonese through by sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
The Sunyani-born Afena-Gyan received his first call-up by the Ghana national team in November 2021. However, he turned down the invitation for the Black Stars for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and South Africa. He revealed in an interview with an Italian journalist, Gianluca Di Marzio that he felt the call-up was too early and that he wanted to concentrate on developing under José Mourinho at the club level before accepting a call-up.
Check the Equalizer here:
Also, Penalty Shoot: