Ghana captain André Ayew has reiterated the senior national team’s commitment to “kill” themselves in order to end a long Africa Cup of Nations trophy drought at Egypt 2019.
The Black Stars last won the title at the Libya 1982 finals and have since come so close to the feat with three grand finale defeats in 1992, 2010 and 2015.
Clamour for an end to this 37-year drought has been strong back home with the country’s president leading the charge who has ensured top notch provisions were made to provide the grounds for the team’s success.
“The trophy is the objective. To kill ourselves on the pitch is the dues we have to pay and we are battle ready,” said Ayew who was named new captain prior to the Afcon tournament.
“I am very confident because we are coming into the tournament with good preparations and I have confidence in my team and that doesn’t mean we are underrating any team. We will work hard and get results match after match,” he also stated.
Responding to the press ahead of Ghana’s opening match against Benin on Tuesday, Ayew who was reminded of a memorable return to Egypt where he led the Under-20s to win the 2009 Fifa World Cup a decade ago said:
“Things have changed and 10 years ago is 10 years ago but I am happy to be back here.
“And I hope we are able to do something [win the trophy]. We have prepared well and I think we can do greater things here.”
Ghana open their Afcon 2019 campaign against Benin on Tuesday at the Ismailia Stadium. Kickoff is 20:00 GMT. It will be preceded by the first Group F encounter between Cameroon and Guinea-Bissau at the same venue.
Comments are closed.