Ghana captain Andre Ayew claims Africa Cup of Nations is ‘harder’ than World Cup

Ghana captain Andre Ayew claims competing in the Africa Cup of Nations is more difficult than the World Cup.

Ayew has represented Ghana at both the AFCON and the World Cup, and he was part of the Black Stars squad that reached the quarterfinals of the biggest soccer mundial in South Africa back in 2010.

Having experienced both competitions, Ayew, who currently plies his trade for French outfit Le Havre believes competing in the AFCON is harder than the World Cup.

Ayew said this in the presence of President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif at a farewell dinner in Kumasi on Tuesday night.

“This tournament is even harder than the World Cup.” he said.

“We know that it is the hardest tournament, for me, in the world when it comes to fighting, determination, and energy so the only way we can do this by being together and being united and for that Your Excellency, I can assure you that we are united and we want do it.” He said.

The Black Stars are off to the Ivory Coast this morning after wrapping up preparations in Kumasi on Tuesday evening.

The tournament is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, January 13 through to February 11, 2024.

The Black Stars will open their account against Cape Verde on Sunday, January 14, 2024 before taking on Egypt and Mozambique on January 18 and 22 respectively in Group B.

Ghana have a history of success in the AFCON, having won the title four times, most recently in 1982. However, they have experienced defeat in three finals since then, including losses to Ivory Coast in 1992 on penalties and Egypt in 2010, as well as a repeat defeat to Ivory Coast in 2015.