FC Samartex left-back Isaac Afful made his Black Stars debut on Monday in Ghana’s 2-1 defeat to Niger in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Afful, starting at left wing-back, struggled to make a significant impact in the first half and was substituted at halftime. His performance was marked by a few uncharacteristic mistakes, including losing possession on several occasions, which could be attributed to nerves in his first senior appearance for the national team.
Despite the challenging debut, the 25-year-old has ample room for growth, with more exposure to international football likely to help him improve.
The technical team has recognized his potential, and although this match was a setback, it is hoped that with more experience, he will find his rhythm.
While Ghana’s disappointing loss saw them finish bottom of Group F, the match provided a valuable learning experience for Afful and other debutants, offering a foundation to build upon in future opportunities.