As Andre Ayew stepped onto the field for Ghana’s 2-1 defeat against Cape Verde, to replace Ransford Konigsdoffer, in the 62nd minute in the Africa Cup of Nations Cote D’Ivoire 2023, Group B opener, he carries the weight of history on his shoulders.
The 34-year-old, marking his eighth AFCON appearance, stands alongside football legends Rigobert Song from Cameroon and Ahmed Hassan from Egypt, as one of the few to achieve this milestone.
With a remarkable journey that started in 2008, Ayew’s dedication to the Black Stars is evident in his 116 appearances and 24 goals since his debut in August 2007. Despite the heartbreak of finishing second in 2010 and 2015, falling to Egypt and Cote D’Ivoire, Ayew remains unwavering in his determination.
Ahead of Group B crucial opener, he reaffirmed his steadfast ambition to clinch an AFCON title with the Black Stars. As the captain, Ayew’s leadership and experience will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in Ghana’s pursuit of glory in the tournament.
However, Ayew’s aspirations extend beyond mere participation records, he stands at the brink of rewriting history by becoming the player with the highest number of AFCON games played.
Currently, the record is held by Cameroon coach Rigobert Song, boasting an impressive 36 games. Ayew closely follows with 35 games, needing just two more to surpass Song’s record.
In the archives of AFCON history, Ayew stands among the elite, alongside Ahmed Hassan with 32 games and Seydou Keita with 31.
What enhances Ayew’s achievement is that all players in the top 10 for the most games played have retired, emphasizing the enduring legacy he is poised to live in African football history.
The Black Stars will shift their focus to their second Group B encounter against Egypt on Thursday at the Stade Felix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium, with kick-off schedule at 20:00 GMT.