Black Stars striker Jordan Ayew has rejected claims by critics that the draw against the Squirrels of Benin could scupper Ghana’s chances of qualifying the next stage of the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The Stars dropped points in their opening game against their fellow West African neighbours in their first group game. With Cameroon clinching three points after beating Guinea Bissau in their first game, the Stars need to get their groove on if they want to nudge off the Indomitable Lions in their next game on Saturday.

Ayew believes Ghana’s draw with Benin could partly be put down to John Boye’s ouster from the game after he was yellow-carded twice.

“I am naturally disappointed that we could not get to win our first game against Benin. Having played for almost the entire second-half following John’s (Boye) dismissal, it was always going to be difficult to pick up all three points.

“Despite being a player down, we were still causing them a few problems, so, I don’t think there is that much to worry about to be honest. The game is gone. We cannot do anything about it. We just have to focus on our next game against Cameroon and play to our best [ability]. We are here to give off our best and that is what we would do on Saturday”, he said at the post-match presser.

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