Jordan Ayew rallies Ghana ahead of Lions tie

Ghana striker Jordan Ayew has warned that their upcoming semifinal clash against Ghana on Thursday will be tough but they have the quality and experience to overcome the Indomitable Lions at Stade de Franceville.

The Aston Villa forward, who netted Ghana’s first goal in their impressive 2-1 win over DR Congo on Sunday, is keen on making the final and ultimately winning the trophy to end a 35-year wait.

“We have a very big game against Cameroon. It is a very tough game but we have to keep on going and do what we know how to do best which is to win games. Even if it is difficult, we still stick together, work hard and that is why we get rewarded at the end,” pointed out Ayew.

In the absence of captain Asamoah Gyan who is nursing a knee injury, the Ayew brothers – Jordan and Andre have raised their level in Gabon and have provided comfort to coach Avram Grant.

Andre converted from the spot for the winner against a high-flying DR Congo side to send the Black Stars into their sixth consecutive Afcon semifinal.

Jordan was named the man-of-the-match and he revealed that scoring goals at a major tournament like this is what he lives for.

“As a striker, you always want to score but sometimes you score some goals that are really, really important and you see your teammates so happy.”

“You see the bench so happy, the supporters so happy, you see the country so happy so when you see all these things, they make you so emotional. As a kid, I always dreamt of scoring in the big games so I thank God for that.”

Ghana will be up against a spirited Cameroonian side that surprised tournament favourites Senegal 5-4 in a tense penalty shootout to progress to the last four.

The odds are however stacked against Cameroon who have only managed one win against Ghana in their past seven meetings, drawn thrice and lost thrice.

Head-to-head record

July 14, 1978: Ghana 2-1 Cameroon

March 9, 1982: Cameroon 0-0 Ghana

May 5, 1982: Cameroon 0-0 Ghana

November 30, 1994: Ghana 1-0 Cameroon

October 4, 1998: Cameroon 1-3 Ghana

January 22, 2000: Ghana 1-1 Cameroon

February 7, 2008: Ghana 0-1 Cameroon