The move marks an exciting chapter in his career, offering a platform in Belgium's top flight to gain consistent first-team action and develop in Europe.
Afriyie is expected to integrate quickly into the club's setup early in the 2025/26 campaign as they embark on their first top-flight season in nearly two decades.
His journey began at Ghanaian lower-division side Thoughts FC, where his performances earned him a move to Al Qadsiah in January 2025 on a three-and-a-half-year deal running until 2028.
Almost immediately, he was loaned out to CD Lugo in Spain's Primera Federacion (third tier) for the remainder of the season to facilitate his growth in a competitive European environment as part of a strategic agreement in his contract.
During his spell at Lugo, Afriyie made 10 league appearances, scoring four goals and helping them to a mid-table finish (13th).
He joins a RAAL La Louviere side that has made a remarkable comeback. The club, re-founded in 2017, climbed from the fifth tier and secured promotion to the Belgian Pro League for the 2025/26 season, just eight years after its revival and ending a 19-year absence from the top tier.
RAAL’s return to the top flight has been a baptism of fire, with them losing their first two games to Standard de Liege and Gent. However, a narrow 1-0 win over Chaleroi has seen them climb out of the relegation zone.
Afriyie’s pace, goal-scoring instinct, and adaptability could provide RAAL with the offensive spark they need.
The 18-year-old’s rise has been meteoric. The striker starred in the 2024 African Games, scoring the winning goal in the final to secure gold for Ghana.
He emerged as a standout for the Ghana U-20 side, winning the 2024 WAFU B U-20 Championship’s Best Player title and Golden Boot with five goals in five matches.
Afriyie became the first player from Ghana’s third-tier league to receive a senior national team call-up for the 2024 AFCON qualifiers last November, scoring on his Black Stars debut against Niger. He was then rewarded with another call-up for the last World Cup qualifiers, playing 10 minutes against Chad.
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Afriyie will hope his exploits with RAAL La Louvière will give him the necessary exposure to be on the plane if Ghana qualify.
