Having lost their opening game at the Africa Cup of Nations this year, the Black Stars of Ghana can not be described as having put in the performance most fans expected of them in these early stages of the tournament. However, in Asamoah Gyan’s absence, the Stars have another talisman in their stand-in captain Andrew Ayew who can ensure the former’s absence is not too much of a blow. During their tough encounter vs. Algeria, Ayew is certainly the man Ghana will expect to step up and make the difference.
No one is more aware of this than Algeria’s tactician, Christian Gourcuff, who knows Ayew well having managed the prodigious attacker at FC Lorient. Gourcuff shared his thoughts on the game, Ghana and Ayew.
“I am familiar with Ayew, because I brought him to Lorient and everybody knows that,” said the Frenchman.
“I have not yet seen Ghana, but it’s a team of experienced players. They are less unbridled than South Africa which should suit us.”
“They have quality players like their captain Andre Ayew whom I know very well in Lorient and as everyone knows, he has lots of qualities and capable of making the difference.”
“We are not going to underestimate our opponent. Our objective remains the three points against Ghana to ensure qualification as soon as possible because it will be very difficult against Senegal a few days later.”
From these comments, it seems like the French coach considers Ghana to be less of a threat than Senegal and even South Africa. It remains to be seen, however, if the Algerians can do their talking on the pitch and prove him right.
Algeria coach Christian Gourcuff reveals his thoughts on A. Ayew and Ghana ahead of cracker
Algeria’s coach Gourcuff is well aware of the danger posed by Ghana’s Ayew. He however knows well what his side must do vs. Ghana on Friday.
