Ayew: Ghana have quality, mentality to progress

Marseille star Andre Dede Ayew is praying that every single member of the Black Stars stays fit ahead of the tough battle against USA, Germany and Portugal in Group G.

Ghana midfielder Andre Ayew is optimistic that the Black Stars will make it to the knockout stage of the 2014 World Cup.

The Olympique Marseille ace has conceded that playing against European giants Germany and Portugal puts the four-time African champions in a tight corner, but that as well makes the tournament exciting.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to be at the World Cup, and the tough group just makes it more exciting to play in the tournament,” Ayew said on the Ghana FA site.

He added: “We are not favourites in the group, but when we come out of it, we will make Ghanaians happy. We have the quality and the mentality.”

Ayew will be making his second World Cup appearance in Brazil after the last edition in South Africa. Touching on the opening game against the USA, he said the Stars and Stripes will not be easy to beat.

“What matters most is for all to be fit. All the teams are tough and we cannot underestimate any of them. Everyone says we are going to beat the USA. We beat them in 2006 and 2010 and you can be sure that for that reason, they will want to avenge those defeats now, and that makes it dicey,” Ayew noted.