Ayew keeps Ghana dynasty alive

Ghana's midfielder Andre Ayew celebrates after scoring during of a Group G football match between Ghana and US at the Dunas Arena in Natal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 16, 2014. By Javier Soriano (AFP/File)

Sao Paulo (AFP) - Ghana's World Cup hopes are a family affair and midfielder Andre Ayew is proud to keep a footballing dynasty in the headlines, for the right reasons.

Marseille star Ayew, who scored in Ghana's opening 2-1 defeat to the United States, is playing in his second World Cup alongside brother Jordan, who is also on the books of the French club.

Andre is the son of Abedi Ayew who took the name of Pele in honour of the legendary Brazilian World Cup winner.

Abedi Pele delivered the corner from which Basile Boli scored to give Marseille victory over AC Milan in the 1993 European Cup final.

Furthermore, Abedi's own brother, Kwane, also played professionally with clubs in France, Saudi Arabia and Portugal.

Andre, 24, is the natural successor to his father who is still Ghana's record international scorer with 33 goals.

At the 2010 World Cup, he played alongside his half-brother Abdul Rahim, the eldest son of Abedi Pele.

The tournament in South Africa saw Ghana make the quarter-finals but having picked up a second yellow card in the last 16 tie with the United States, he missed the match with Uruguay which Ghana lost on a penalty shootout.

"I already have close to 50 caps, I have earned my place. The players before me made it clear that they were on the way out and that I was in line," he said.

Jordan played in the loss to the United States but big brother Andre insists he will not lobby on his sibling's behalf.

"I won't push for Jordan if he doesn't deserve to be in the team," said Andre after his brother was replaced in the opening game.

"I love him but nobody has a right to a place in the team. I talk to him and he talks to me a lot. He sees things that I don't anticipate."

Andre Ayew has long been linked with a move away from Marseille with the French club desperate for an injection of funds.

But before worrying over his club future, Ayew wants to increase his goal scoring prowess with the national team.

For Marseille last season he scored eight goals in 29 matches while his international career has yielded a modest five.

Next up for Ghana is a clash against Germany who demolished Portugal 4-0 in their Group G opener.

Four years ago, Germany beat the Black Stars 1-0 in the group stages.