Introduction
Harrison Afful (born 24 July 1986 in Tema) is a Ghanaian international footballer, who currently plays as a defender for Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew SC.
Club career
Afful is a product of the Feyenoord Academy and had trials with Feyenoord and K.V. Mechelen in the summer of 2008. In November 2008, he won the Ghana Premier League best player award. Afful went out on loan to Asante Kotoko from 2007 to 2009.
Afful played in some friendly matches for Helsingborgs IF but could not firm up a deal, and instead moved to Tunisian side Espérance. In the 2011 CAF Champions League Final Afful came on as a substitute in the second leg, scoring the game's only goal to win the continental title against Wydad Casablanca.
On July 30, 2015, Afful signed a contract with Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew SC. He made his debut for Crew SC on August 19, 2015 against New York City FC in a 2–2 draw. His first goal for the club came July 13, 2016 in a 1–1 draw with Toronto FC.
International career
Afful plays at international level for his native Ghana. His first cap was earned during the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, a 4–2 victory over Ivory Coast in the third place match on 9 February 2008.
He captained the Black Stars for the first time in their 3-2 victory over Congo on September 1, 2015.
Afful was part of the Ghana squads for the 2008, 2010, 2013, and 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. He also made two appearances at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Statistics
International
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghana | 2008 | 9 | 0 |
| 2009 | 7 | 0 | |
| 2010 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2011 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2012 | 5 | 0 | |
| 2013 | 13 | 0 | |
| 2014 | 9 | 0 | |
| 2015 | 13 | 0 | |
| 2016 | 5 | 0 | |
| Total | 58 | 0 | |