Ghana former giant president Jerry John Rawlings passed away yesterday a few hours ahead the country’s game against Sudan. Andre Ayew expressed himself following this tragic event after scoring a brace helping his nation to victory. The Black Stars’ captain has dedicated Thursday’s 2-0 triumph in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying to the late.
Playing at home in Cape Coast, the Swansea City forward found the back of the net in either half to secure all three points for the Black Stars in the Group C matchweek three fixture.
Rawlings, who ruled Ghana democratically between 1993 and 2001, died at 73 years old. The death occured at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra after a short ailment.
“I think we fought hard to get a win in honour of His Excellency J.J Rawlings. We know the history and his contribution to the growth of Ghana. So the win is dedicated to him.” Ayew said after the game.
“These are hard times for the family. But we wish them well. May God comfort and bless them.
“I think we need to try and defend as a team, stay compact and take our chances as it happened today.”
Thursday’s victory has put Ghana on the brink of securing a ticket for Cameroon in 2022. A win in a reverse fixture away to Sudan on Tuesday could confirm the Black Stars’ place at the next continental championship. It will be thus the West Africans’ 23rd appearance at the tournament.
Ghana have set sights on reaching the final tournament to make another attempt at a first title since 1982 Having endured a series of disappointments in recent times.
At the last championship in Egypt in 2019, the Black Stars suffered a Round of 16 elimination. Failing to make the quarter-final for the first time since 2006.
They have won the title on four occasions in all – 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982.