Felix Afena-Gyan made his debut for the Black Stars in the first leg of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier playoff against Nigeria on Friday, March 25.

The 19-year-old despite not scoring looked to be the live wire of Ghana’s frontline against the Super Eagles, chasing down every ball that came his way at the Baba Yara Stadium.

For a player who was only playing his first national team game, there were low expectations for the AS Roma forward. But his performance was one that drew plaudits from the many supporters and spectators who were present in Kumasi.

Afena-Gyan may have shown glimpses of the talent and quality he possesses in the first leg tie in Kumasi, however, at this point in his career, the young forward needs protection more than the exposure.
Prior to completing his high school education in 2019, Afena-Gyan was among a host of players picked for the Regional School team after the 2018 inter-SHS games. The youngster was taken to the EurAfrica Academy, a choice that presented him with an opportunity to go for trials with Italian Serie A side, AC Milan.

A deal to Milan fell through as Roma acted swiftly to secure his signature, taking him to their youth team. He played no professional football during his time in Ghana with his only football-related activities being his involvement with juvenile sides, Real Madrid (in Wenchi), and Watomba 11.

Life in Rome got off to a flying start for the youngster as he scored and assisted in his first game for the under-18 side, just a day after his unveiling on March 13.

Fast forward to October 2021, Afena-Gyan was handed his debut with the senior side by Jose Mourinho, who was impressed with the Ghanaian's performance for the junior team. He was introduced in the 57th minute of the game, replacing Matias Vina in the wake of Roma’s 2-1 win over Cagliari. His first two goals for the club came three games after, coming from the bench to score twice against Genoa in a 2-0 win.

Afena-Gyan has featured 17 times for Roma’s senior team across all competitions in the 2021/22 season but has started just four of those games. Not to say he isn't a great talent, but his manager, for obvious reasons, knows managing the game time of the youngster is the best way to get the best out of him.

Rightly so, the player has never played more than 74 minutes in any game for the Rome-based outfit, while he also manages just 39 minutes per game as compared to his total minutes of 609 played so far for the club.

In November 2021, the then 18-year-old turned down a call-up from Milovan Rajevac for the final fixtures of the group qualifiers for the World Cup against Ethiopia and South Africa. Revealing why he rejected his maiden call-up, the player said, “I felt it was too early for me to answer the call from the national team because I need to grow, physically but also mentally and psychologically. I also thought it was important for me to stay in Trigoria to accumulate training under [Jose] Mourinho’s orders, to continue improving and growing.”

Four months later, Afena-Gyan is already in the national team colours and played 82 minutes of action as the Black Stars were held in Kumasi. But for a pulled muscle in the latter part of the game, the forward was in line to complete the first 90 minutes of his senior career. It may not be a serious injury, but the muscle pool could serve as a warning to Otto Addo and his technical team.

Should he be given the start on Tuesday, it will be prudent the youngster should probably not go beyond the 60th minute as it would mean exerting more pressure on his ‘dead legs.’ Hence, it is only advisable that Afena-Gyan's involvement on Tuesday is managed well.