Share

Ayew dismisses AFCON title talk

Mongomo - Ghana star Andre Ayew on Sunday claimed that the Black Stars "are not here to win the trophy" ahead of their opening Africa Cup of Nations game against Senegal on Monday.

Read: Algeria coach itching to begin

Ghana have been continental champions four times, but not since 1982, although they have reached at least the semi-finals in each of the last four tournaments.

"We have lots of young players and I wouldn't say we are here to win the trophy. We'll go one game at a time," Ayew told media gathered in Mongomo.

"In 2010 we got to the final not long after winning the under-20 World Cup (in 2009), we went into the tournament full of confidence."

This time, Ghana are something of an unknown quantity, with Avram Grant only recently taking charge of a side who endured a disappointing World Cup campaign, a draw with eventual winners Germany aside.

Their campaign was also overshadowed by the decision to send home both Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng for indiscipline.

"We did some good things on the pitch and caused problems for the eventual world champions.

"Of course there were things that happened off the field, but that is behind us now.

"We have come through the qualifiers since then and I congratulate all the players for the way they have applied themselves.

"The situation is different to when we were in Brazil. We have changed coach several times in the last six months, but we are all professionals and we need to be able to adapt to the situation," added the Marseille winger.

Of Grant, the former Chelsea manager, Ayew said: "Today we have a great coach who has worked at big clubs and has lots of experience, so I am happy because he can bring us a lot."

However, Ayew knows Ghana could find life tough in Group C, in which they will also come up against dark horses Senegal and a resurgent South Africa.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE