African Cup of Nations of Monday, 2 February 2015

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

"Black Stars have nothing to prove, keen on making Ghana proud"

Ghana forward Andre Ayew insists the side came to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations with nothing to prove following their disappointing campaign at the 2014 World Cup.

The Black Stars eased into the semifinals of the tournament being staged in Equatorial Guinea with a 3-0 thumping of Guinea on Sunday.

Ghana have recovered from a disastrous start to their campaign to make it all the way into the last four of the competition and are looking good for a place in the grand finale.

Avram Grant’s side however came into the tournament with lowered expectations from many Ghanaians who remain aggrieved by the team’s poor showing at the 2014 World Cup.

It was thought that the 2015 Afcon will be used by the Black Stars to win over the ever-demanding Ghanaian fans.

But Ayew says the players are only focused on making the nation proud and not to prove anything.

“We are not here to prove left or right,” he said.

“We are here to go far for our country. I think whether we like it or not Ghanaians love us, and we love them too.

“We hope they continue to pray for us and that they will be behind us for the semifinals because we need their support.”

Ghana will now face Equatorial Guinea in the semifinals of the competition on Thursday.