AFCON 2021: I wanted to play even though I knew I was not fully ready, says Andre Ayew
Captain of the Black Stars, Andre Dede Ayew, has disclosed he wasn’t fully fit heading into Ghana’s group C opener against Morocco at the ongoing Africa Cup Of Nations in Cameroon.
Despite the fact that he was unwell, the Al Sadd man lasted the whole game, as Morocco pipped Ghana to a 1-0 defeat via an 83rd minute goal from Sofiane Boufal at the Ahmadou Ahidjou stadium.
The 32-year old also sustained a head injury and was oozing blood in the second as he clashed with Saiss for an air ball but this didn’t stop him from playing as he had already said they will die for the Ghana Jersey.
Speaking after the game, the Al-Sadd midfielder says he hasn’t been well for a few days but wanted to be on the pitch to help the team.
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”I have been sick for a few days but I thank God I was able to on the pitch today with the boys,” he said.
”I wanted to play even though I knew I was not fully ready”.
Ayew also described the loss to Morocco as disappointing but is of high hopes Ghana can still win their next two games and progress from the group.
”It was a disappointing result to concede a goal in the last five minutes but it’s the first game, we need to look at our mistakes and improve.
“We have two games left and we will qualify,” he said.
Ghana will take on Gabon on Friday, January 14 before facing Comoros in the last game of the Group stage.
