Black Stars captain Andre Dede Ayew has reached a major milestone in his career and in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ayew made his 36th appearance in the AFCON to match Cameroon legend Rigobert Song’s record as the player with the most appearances in the history of the biannual tournament.
Le Havre forward Dede Ayew’s history matching feat was registered in Ghana’s 2-2 draw with Mozambique that had the Black Stars hold a 2-0 lead at the 90th minute but blow it by conceding twice in four minutes.
Song starred for Cameroon in AFCON title winning years in 2000 and 2002 and was on the team when the Indomitable Lions finished second behind Egypt in the 2008 edition.
Dede Ayew replaced Joseph Paintsil in the second half against The Mambas of Mozambique in Ghana’s final Group B game at the 2023 AFCON in Cote D’Ivoire.
However, Ayew’s historic moment ended in disaster as Ghana conceded late twice to score a win and an automatic qualification to the round of 16 stage.
Ghana’s shock draw with Mozambique puts the Black Stars qualification in doubt meaning Dede Ayew is on the verge of missing out on the chance to set a new record.