Afful hopes to make Columbus debut today

Ghana defender Harrison Afful is set to debut for Columbus Crew SC today against New York City FC in the Major League Soccer.

He has been training with Columbus for about two weeks and travelled with the team to Colorado despite not making the game-day roster.

Afful trained privately with coaches during the rest of the roster’s bye-week break.

“Why not?” the versatile full back said of playing in the club’s next match.

“That’s why I’m here. If I’m given the chance, I’ll show what I can do on the field and listen to the coach on what he wants me to do while I’m on the field.”

Head coach Gregg Berhalter said Afful’s fitness is not yet where it needs to be, but the defender is still hoping for a debut.

“I’m getting my fitness back,” he said. “I’ve been working a lot; so far, so good. So I’m just praying and hoping that I’ll make my debut next Wednesday.”