AFCON 2015: Ayew Brothers Shine as Ghana Marches into Final Showdown with Côte d’Ivoire
By BBC Sport Africa
Ghana has sealed its place in the final of the 30th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-0 win over host nation Equatorial Guinea, thanks in no small part to the brilliance of the Ayew brothers.
Jordan and André Ayew—sons of Ghanaian football legend Abedi Ayew Pelé—each found the net in a commanding semi-final performance in Malabo. Their goals not only propelled the Black Stars to a sixth AFCON final but also marked a proud moment for a family deeply woven into the fabric of Ghanaian football history.
Ayew Legacy on Display
In a tense atmosphere at the Estadio de Malabo, it was Jordan Ayew who struck first, calmly slotting home a penalty in the 41st minute after Ghana were awarded the spot-kick by Gabonese referee Eric Otogo-Castane. It was Jordan’s first goal of the tournament—a timely contribution in the biggest game of his international career to date.
Moments later, midfielder Mubarak Wakaso added a second for Ghana with a composed finish on the stroke of half-time, putting the visitors firmly in control.
The final blow came in the 74th minute, when André Ayew capped off a fine team move to score Ghana’s third goal. It was the Olympique de Marseille forward’s third strike of the tournament and a moment that symbolised the influence he has carried throughout Ghana’s campaign.
A Final with Historic Echoes
Sunday’s final in Bata will see Ghana face Côte d’Ivoire in a rematch of the 1992 AFCON final—a game remembered for its marathon penalty shootout, which ended 11-10 in favour of the Ivorians.
This time, both teams arrive with strong credentials and a hunger to end long title droughts. Ghana last lifted the trophy in 1982, while Côte d’Ivoire have been waiting since 1992 for continental glory.
CAF Eyes Disciplinary Measures
The semi-final victory was overshadowed by troubling scenes in the final minutes, as frustrated home supporters threw objects onto the pitch, forcing a temporary suspension of play. Ghanaian players had to be escorted off the field, and riot police were deployed to control the unrest.
CAF is expected to open disciplinary proceedings against Equatorial Guinea, whose fairytale run to the semi-finals ended in controversy.
Despite the disruptions, Ghana’s focus remained unshaken. Led by the Ayew brothers—carrying the torch passed down from their iconic father—the Black Stars now stand just one match away from reclaiming African football’s ultimate prize.
