Ayew plotting to shoot down Egypt in Alexandria

West Ham United attacker Andre Ayew is eager to lead Ghana against Egypt on Sunday, but admits not being fully fit for the big game.

The Black Stars are set to face the Pharaohs at the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria on matchday two of the group stage of the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.

Ayew makes a comeback to the national set-up just two weeks after returning from a three-month sideline, and is expected to captain the team in the absence of injured Asamoah Gyan.

“It’s a very, very important game for us,” Ayew told his club's official website.

“We drew our first game at home and now we are going to Egypt, which is a very difficult one for us, so we need to prepare well.

“I am not 100 per cent fit but I will try to give my best for my country and hopefully get a win and, at the same time, get more game-time.

“The fitness is coming back. I am not yet at my best, but it’s only with games that I will get back to my best.

"It was a very important injury [that I suffered], but I am getting back and hopefully pretty soon I will be at 100 per cent."

Ghana were held at home by Uganda in their group opener, whereas Egypt come into the game on the back of a 2-1 away win over Congo in Brazzaville.

The Black Stars currently sit second from bottom after matchday one, and will need to at least pick a point in Alexandria to have a good chance of reaching their fourth successive World Cup.

Ayew, meanwhile, made only his first start in three months as West Ham were held by Stoke City in the English Premier League on Saturday.