Ghana Black Stars captain, Andre Ayew has explained the reason he started the second Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture of the double header against Zimbabwe from the bench.
The captain was introduced into Black Stars slim 1-0 victory over the Warriors at the National Stadium in Zimbabwe on the 86th minute for Ajax midfielder, Mohammed Kudus.
André Ayew
Andre Ayew, who started but did not finish the first game at the Cape Coast Stadium attributes sickness to starting the second match from the bench.
“Even before the first game, we spoke and the boss had a long discussion and I fell sick before the game.
“It was not an easy time for me and especially the players you know we are in a period where I have to be there for the team.
Black Stars celebrate a goal
“We need every point is very important but there are sometimes you have to think about the collective and I think that the boss did the right thing when we spoke that we shouldn’t take any risk against the illness and stuff so for me i was just so happy that we had these three points and I hope that we continue like this and working hard and I believe that victory will be ours.” Andre Ayew said in a post match press conference.
The Black Stars defeated Zimbabwe 1-0 courtesy Thomas Partey’s 31st minute super free kick from 20-yards, making it back-to-back wins in a space of three days against Zimbabwe.
Andre Ayew
Ghana, now on nine points, still have much hope of qualifying for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup as they trail Group G leaders, South Africa by one point.
Ethiopia sit third with three points with Zimbabwe bottom of the table with one point after four matches.
The Black Stars have two games to complete the qualifier; against Ethiopia on October 11 away before hosting South Africa on October 17.