AFCON is harder than World Cup – Andre Ayew
Ghana captain Andre Ayew believes the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) poses a greater challenge than the World Cup, as he aims to lead the Black Stars to their first AFCON title since 1982.
He expressed this view ahead of the 2023 AFCON tournament, which kicks off on January 13, 2024 and runs until February 11.
Ayew has experienced both competitions firsthand, having played in three World Cups (2010, 2014, and 2022) and seven AFCON tournaments (2008, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021). He is Ghana’s all-time leading scorer in the AFCON with 10 goals and is looking to break multiple records in the upcoming tournament.
The 34-year-old attacking midfielder needs three appearances to become the player with the most appearances in AFCON history, and he is already the third player set to feature in eight AFCON tournaments. Additionally, he hopes to become the first player to score in seven different editions of the competition.
Ayew’s experience at the AFCON has been bittersweet, losing in the finals twice, in 2010 and 2015.
However, he remains optimistic about the Black Stars’ chances, emphasising the importance of unity within the team. In a speech at the farewell dinner for the Black Stars, he stated, “This tournament is even harder than the World Cup… We know that it is the hardest tournament, for me, in the world when it comes to fighting, determination, and energy, so the only way we can do this is by being together and being united.”
Ghana have not won the AFCON since 1982, and Ayew hopes to end this drought as the team’s captain. The Black Stars will face Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique in Group B, starting their campaign on January 14 against the Blue Sharks.
With age catching up, this may be Ayew’s last AFCON, and he is determined to give his all for the sake of his country.
