Black stars skipper Andre Dede Ayew has revealed that he wasn’t fit prior to Ghana’s game against Morocco played on Monday.
The Atlas Lions of Morocco defeated the Black stars 1-0 in their opening Group C match at the on-going TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2021.
Sofiane Boufal netted the lone goal after 83 minutes at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium.
It was a mix-up in the Black Stars’ defending line that gave Boufal a chance to strike the ball past Ghana’s goalkeeper Joseph Luke Wollacot.
Andre lasted the entire duration of the game with a head injury following a collision with Atlas Lions skipper Sias.
In his post game reaction, the former Swansea City star indicated that his teammates played a major role in his decision to play despite not 100 percent fit.
“I have been sick for a few days but I thank God I was able to on the pitch today with the boys,” he said.
“I wanted to play even though I knew I was not fully ready”.
He also believes his side will turn things around in subsequent games and qualify despite their opening game loss.
“It was a disappointing result to concede a goal in the last five minutes but it’s the first game, we need to look at our mistakes and improve.”
“We have two games left and we will qualify.” He said.
The Black stars will need to win their next game to stay in contention for the knockout phase. They face a difficult test against Gabon next whiles Morocco will play Comoros.
Morocco who reached the group of 16 in the AFCON 2019 now top Group C before Comoros later face Gabon.