Ghana forward Jordan Ayew expressed the need for the team to maintain a positive mindset and lift their heads high in the wake of their 2-1 loss to Cape Verde in the Africa Cup of Nations. The defeat puts the Black Stars in a challenging position, requiring them to avoid further losses against Egypt and Mozambique to have a chance at advancing to the knockout stage.

Speaking in a post-match press engagement, Ayew highlighted the team’s disappointment and attributed the loss to lapses in concentration. He noted, “I think we are all disappointed because I think we have the game in our hands. We have always lost concentration at crucial moments, they scored two sloppy goals.”

Despite the setback, Ayew emphasized the team’s need to bounce back quickly, acknowledging that the squad, despite its youthfulness, has played together for an extended period. Facing a tough task against seven-time champions Egypt in their upcoming match, Ayew urged the team to stay positive and approach the remaining group games with determination.

“We need to stay positive and raise our heads and do it the hard way. We don’t have a choice now. We need to do it the hard way and see the outcome,” Ayew added.

Ghana’s next match in Group B is against Egypt, scheduled for a 20:00Hrs kick-off at the Felix Houphouet Boigny stadium in Abidjan on Thursday, January 18, 2024.