CHARLOTTE, NC (Friday, December 17, 2021) – Charlotte FC today announced the Club has signed free agent defender Harrison Afful to a contract through 2022 with an option for 2023.
The 35-year-old right back has been a stalwart for the Columbus Crew for seven years, starting at least 20 matches in each of the last six seasons. Afful has played in 164 regular season matches and contributed six goals with 18 assists. In addition, the Ghanaian has 17 playoff appearances including an MLS Cup title with Columbus in 2020 where he played all 90 minutes in a 3-0 win over the Seattle Sounders.
“Harrison brings a wealth of experience into our locker room, and we’re excited to continue to add title-winning players to our inaugural roster. His production over the last six seasons in MLS is vital for us and he’s been a highly regarded defender around the league.” said Sporting Director Zoran Krneta. “Across his stellar career, Harrison has been part of eight championships, both here in Major League Soccer and in Africa, and everyone at the Club will be able to lean on his leadership.”
Afful has earned 83 caps for his country and started two of Ghana’s three group stage games at the 2014 World Cup, registering an assist against Germany. The right back has featured in three World Cup Qualifying cycles and five Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
Prior to playing in Major League Soccer, Afful came through the academy at Ghanaian club Fetteh Feyenoord. He spent two years with the Feyenoord senior team before going on loan for a further two years to another Ghanaian club, Asante Kotoko.
After four years of professional soccer in Ghana, Afful left his home country to join Esperance Tunis of the Tunisian first division. He spent six seasons with Tunis and racked up almost 180 appearances and won four league titles. While in Tunisia, he played 52 times in the CAF Champions League and led ES Tunis to the 2011 title which earned the Club a berth in the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup.
In 2015, one year after starting for Ghana in the World Cup, the right back joined the Columbus Crew for his nearly seven-year stint with the club.
Name: Harrison Afful
Position: Defender
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 148 lbs
Date of Birth: July 24, 1986
Age: 35
Birthplace: Tema, Ghana
Last Club: Columbus Crew
How Acquired: Signed as a free agent
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