Miles Joseph Associate Head Coach | Charlotte Football Club Website
Miles Joseph Associate Head Coach | Charlotte Football Club Website
Charlotte FC announced today the signing of defender Harrison Afful, who is currently out of contract, until 2022 with an option for 2023.
The 35-year-old right-back has been a defender for Columbus Crew for seven years, starting at least 20 matches in each of the last six seasons. Afful has played 164 regular-season games and contributed six goals with 18 assists. Additionally, the Ghanaian has made 17 playoff appearances, including winning an MLS Cup title with Columbus in 2020, where he played all 90 minutes in a 3-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders.
“Harrison brings great experience to our lineup and we are excited to continue adding title-winning players to our inaugural team. His performance over the past six seasons in MLS is vital for us and he has been a highly regarded defender in the league,” said Charlotte FC Sporting Director Zoran Krneta. “Throughout his brilliant 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 played 83 matches for his country and started two of Ghana's three group stage matches at the FIFA World Cup 2014, recording an assist against Germany. The right-back has participated in three World Cup qualifying cycles and five African Cup of Nations tournaments.
Before playing in Major League Soccer, Afful came through the academy at Ghanaian club Fetteh Feyenoord. He spent two years with Feyenoord's senior team before being loaned out for another two years to another Ghanaian club, Asante Kotoko.
After four years of professional football in Ghana, Afful left his home country to join Esperance Tunis of Tunisia’s top division. He spent six seasons with Tunisia and accumulated nearly 180 appearances while winning four league titles. During his time in Tunisia, he played 52 times in the CAF Champions League and led ES Tunis to the title in 2011, earning the Club a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup 2012.
In 2015, a year after starting with Ghana at the FIFA World Cup, Afful joined Columbus Crew for almost seven years.
Name: Harrison Afful
Position: Defender
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 148 lbs
Date of Birth: July 24, 1986
Age: 35
Place of Birth: Tema, Ghana
Previous Club: Columbus Crew
How Acquired: Signed as an out-of-contract player
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