A penalty just after the half hour from striker Ayew was enough for Ghana to record its first win in the opening Group D game against Uganda, but an injury to left back Baba Rahman soured the mood slightly and left Schalke fans fretting.
He came off after just 39 minutes and was replaced by Frank Acheampong.
Ayew converted the spot-kick after Isaac Isinde fouled Stars captain Asamoah Gyan in the area.
But Ghana failed to find a second goal which would have eased worries of a Uganda leveller after a series of surprise results so far in Gabon.
Here are highlights of Tuesday's game between Ghana and Egypt.