By Jeremiah Nutsugah
In the face of Ghana’s recent setback against Cape Verde, national team Captain Andrew Dede Ayew has etched his name in African Cup of Nations (AFCON) history by becoming the third player to participate in eight editions of the tournament.
He joins exclusive players like the retired Cameroonian Rigobert Song and Egyptian Ahmed Hassan in participating in eight different AFCON tournaments.
Despite coming in as a substitute in the match against Cape Verde, Ayew showcased an unwavering “never give up” attitude, although it fell short of securing a victory for the team.
Ayew’s arrival replaced Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer, six minutes after Alexander Djiku’s equaliser brought Ghana level, following Jamiro Monteiro’s first-half strike for Cape Verde.
Although he joins the elite retired players, Ayew and the Black Stars’ celebration was brief as Garry Rodrigues’ late goal secured all three points for the Blue Sharks, plunging Ghana into a disappointing start to their campaign.
Ahead of the tournament, the 33-year-old Ayew expressed his readiness to contribute, even if his chances to start were limited.
“My priority is to either start or come off the bench in the Ivory Coast,” he emphasized. “After that, let us see what happens. What is most important is that Ghana performs well in this competition after our disappointing 2022 Cup of Nations exit in the first round.”
Despite the initial setback, Ayew still has the opportunity to make history at the AFCON. He stands on the verge of becoming the first player to score in seven editions of the tournament, currently sharing the record of six with fellow Ghanaian Asamoah Gyan and African legends Kalusha Bwalya and Samuel Eto’o.
Having been part of the Ghanaian national team since 2008, Ayew has now participated in the Afcon tournaments of 2008, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, and the ongoing 2023.
With over 115 caps to his name, he made his debut in a friendly match against Senegal on August 21, 2008, coming in as a substitute. In the same year, he was named to the Ghana squad for the 2008 African Cup of Nations.
He has scored 24 goals for the senior national team.
Despite a brief retirement from international football in February 2013 due to a dispute with the Ghana Football Association, Ayew returned to the team for a World Cup qualifier against Zambia on September 6, 2014.
His resilience shone through as he played a crucial role in Ghana’s 7-3 aggregate playoff defeat of Egypt, securing qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
