Ayew admits semi-final dream

Ayew: Flying the flag

Andre Ayew admits he has dreamed about Ghana reaching the World Cup semi-finals.

The Black Stars' extra-time victory over USA means they are only the third African nation to reach the quarter-finals after Cameroon (1990) and Senegal (2002), and they would be the first to reach the semis.

Ghana face Uruguay at Soccer City on Friday for a place in the last four, and although Ayew will be missing through suspension, he believes his team-mates cen get to the semis without him.

"I am disappointed to be suspended for the biggest game of my career so far," he told skysports.com.

"My yellow card was harsh. Referee mistakes can rule you out of huge games you dream of playing in as a child.

"But my team-mates will give 100% to be in the last four - it'll be the first time an African team has got there.

History

"I have a fantastic dream. I won the Junior World Cup not long ago and maybe we can create history."

Ayew captained Ghana to victory at the 2009 FIFA U20 World Cup before establishing himself in the senior side.

The Marseille winger is the second-born son of Ghanaian legend Abedi Pele, who won four Ligue 1 titles and the Champions League with Marseille between 1989 and 1993.

But Ayew, 20, is stepping out of his father's shadow having started all four games so far at the World Cup to take him to 26 international appearances already.

"My dad has won the Champions League with Marseille and the French league, but he knows I am playing at an even bigger level than that," he said.

Legend

"He is proud of me and seeing him in the stadium against the USA was an inspiration. He is such a legend."

Ayew spent last season on loan at Arles-Avignon, helping them secure promotion from Ligue 2, and he has even attracted interest from the Premier League.

But he is determined to prove himself back at the Stade Velodrome before seeking a move elsewhere.

"I need to make my name at Marseille so I am not thinking about that yet," he said.

"All I'm thinking about is doing well at the World Cup then taking a rest and fighting for a place in Marseille's starting line-up."