Ayew still gathering steam

Andre Ayew was not at his best as Ghana won their first leg qualifier at home against Malawi in Accra on Saturday. The player said after the game that he has not hit his peak form due to his recent return from injury.

Ghana side were generally slow in the first half, with a few individual displays lighting up play against an organized Flames setup.

"I've been out for about four months and I just came back from injury and joined the preseason with my club. I have not reached a hundred percent yet," he said after the game.

The Ghana international is slowly working his way back to fitness after spending a long period on the sidelines, following a surgical procedure in late April. He had picked up the injury while representing his country at the Africa Cup of Nations, but decided to put off surgery till it became unbearable.

"But what is important is that we play well. If I don't play well, and someone else does and we win, that's the most imporatnt thing. I did not have the usual game I normally do but the team is most important."

Andre Ayew also assured his countrymen of a definite spot in the African Cup which begins in January next year. "We will be in South Africa for sure. Our aim is to go to Malawi [for the second leg] and win and play well."

Goals from Christian Atsu and Anthony Annan ensured advantage in the first of the two-legged games. This means Malawi will have to score three clear goals to win a slot at the next Nations Cup ahead of Ghana.