Championship playoff: Ayew’s strike gives Swansea first leg win over Barnsley

Swansea will take a narrow advantage back to south Wales for the second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final with Barnsley thanks to a beautiful goal from Andre Ayew.

Ayew gave the visitors the lead in the 39th minute of the game when he cut inside from the right and curled an unstoppable left-footed effort past home goalkeeper Bradley Collins.

He scored by connecting a fine pass from teammate Kyle Naughton.

The win at the Oakwell Ground keeps the Swans qualification hopes to the English Premier League next season alive as they return to the Liberty Stadium for the second leg on Saturday.

Swansea coach Steve Cooper was full of praise for his team after securing a goal advantage as they head back home.

“I was pleased with the effort. We knew what kind of game it would be and we stood up well to it. The two centre-backs [Guehi and Cabango] are both 20 years old and they were excellent, Cooper said.

“We know Andre can do that. It was a real moment of excellence.

“It was a really good atmosphere and that has whetted the appetite for Saturday now. It will be a special moment to play in front of our fans again.”

The former West Ham United attacker leads the Swans scorers chart with 17 goals in 44 matches and has provided 4 assists this season.