Andre Dede Ayew says Ghana have placed the off-field problems that had threatened to wreck the Nations Cup behind them as they prepare for the big showdown with Ivory Coast on Friday.
The 19-year old, who is heading into his second Nations Cup, told the BBC the shooting involving Togo�s players in Cabinda last week had given some of the players cause to think about their own security, but he is confident they can keep their mind on the football when they step out against the Ivorians on Friday.
�We and Togo are like brothers � it�s painful what happened. Everyone was afraid. I think it got to a point where you think about your security, but the people here assured us, our big men assured us, and for us it was much easier [to stay] than for the Togolese,� Ayew said.
Ghana will get their campaign off on Friday against Ivory Coast and Dede says they are not treating that game lightly.
�When you are on the field you forget about everything and everyone needs to fight for a position in the quarterfinals. [Ivory Coast are] a great team; they are the favourites in this tournament no doubt, so we have to give them respect � but we all want to succeed for our nation.�
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