Ayew Eyes Record-Breaking AFCON As Ghana Seeks Redemption

Ghanaian football veteran Andre Ayew has his sights set on achieving and matching records during the upcoming 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the Ivory Coast.

The 34-year-old forward, recently joining French club Le Havre, aims to become the first player to score in seven editions of the prestigious African tournament. Ayew currently shares the record of scoring in six AFCONs with fellow Ghanian Asamoah Gyan, Zambian Kalusha Bwalya, and Cameroonian Samuel Eto’o, the top scorer in Cup of Nations history with 18 goals.

Additionally, Ayew is eyeing the opportunity to become only the third player to participate in eight editions of the tournament, which evolved from a three-team contest in 1957 to a 24-nation spectacle today. This would place him alongside Rigobert Song, the coach of Cameroon, and Egyptian Ahmed Hassan, who holds the record for the most appearances in the tournament.

“Starting or coming off the bench in the Ivory Coast is my priority,” Ayew stated in a pre-tournament briefing ahead of the Group B matches against Cape Verde, seven-time champions Egypt, and Mozambique. “Ghana’s performance in this tournament is crucial, considering our disappointing early exit in the 2022 Cup of Nations.”

While Ghana has a strong Cup of Nations record with four titles, their last victory was in 1982. Despite maintaining a consistent top-four finish between 2008 and 2017, the team suffered a round of 16 loss five years ago and an embarrassing group stage elimination in 2022, losing to underdogs Comoros. Ayew’s red card in the match against Comoros added to their struggles.

Despite calls for changes in the Ghanaian squad, coaches have consistently trusted Ayew, including current manager and former Premier League coach Chris Hughton. “Andre’s contributions, both on and off the field, are significant for the Black Stars,” Hughton remarked.

Born in France to former Ghanaian star Abedi ‘Pele’ Ayew, Andre began his professional career at Marseille in 2007. He played in various leagues, including the Premier League, Turkey, Qatar, and England before joining Le Havre this year. His younger brother, Jordan Ayew, a winger for Crystal Palace, is also part of the Ghanaian squad, though the team’s status as favourites relies more on reputation than recent form.

Their last competitive match before the AFCON was a 1-0 defeat to the Comoros in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, making a strong performance in the upcoming tournament all the more essential for the Black Stars.