'AFCON Is Even Harder Than the FIFA World Cup' - Andre Ayew Insists

Ghana are preparing to launch another bid of the Africa Cup of Nations title and Andre Ayew has made a big claim about the continental competition.The Black Stars continue with their quest to be crowned African champions for the first time since 1982.Over the years, Ghana have endured the agony of missing out on the title they have previously won four times.With pressure increasingly mounting on the Black Stars to break their long wait for the Afcon, skipper Ayew has made remarks that appear meant to take the heat off his teammates.Before reaching the knockout stages of Afcon, the Black Stars will have to navigate their way past Group B.It is a pool which includes Cape Verde, seven-time African champions Egypt and Mozambique.

It is safe to say Ghana will be fancying their chances of getting out of the group.The upcoming Afcon edition will be another test to see if Ghana have what it takes to conquer Africa after failing on several occasions despite arriving at some tournaments being touted as title favourites.“This tournament is even harder than the World Cup,” said Ayew as per Ghana Soccernet.“We know that it is the hardest tournament, for me, in the World Cup when it comes to fighting, determination, and energy."So the only way we can do this is by being together and being united, and for that Your Excellency, I can assure you that we are united and we want to do it.”The Ivory Coast Afcon edition will be the eighth time Ayew has participated in this tournament in which he has been twice a losing finalist.At 34, this is likely to be his Afcon swansong and bowing out with a title would be a fairytale end to his international career should he decide to step away from the national team.