Ghana's Ayew steps out of shadow of legendary father

Ghana forward Andre Ayew (L) escapes a challenge during his side's Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Equatorial Guinea in Malabo on February 5, 2015. By Issouf Sanogo (AFP/File)

Bata (Equatorial Guinea) (AFP) - In Equatorial Guinea, Andre Ayew has not only shamed his critics but also moved a step closer to matching the class of his father, the legendary Abedi 'Pele' Ayew.

In 2008, when he made his Africa Cup of Nations debut on home soil, he was criticised by the fans with some suggesting he was only in the squad because of the influence of his famous father.

But a year later he made history when he led his country in Egypt to become the first African team to win the FIFA U20 World Cup and it was the core of this team that reached the 2010 Cup of Nations final in Angola.

The 25-year-old Marseille forward has also featured at two World Cup finals -- something his father never managed.

In Equatorial Guinea, he has risen to the big occasion by scoring three goals, including an all-important winner against South Africa which won Ghana the 'group of death' that also included Algeria and Senegal.

It was a dramatic winner as he soared to head home a cross from Abdulrahman Baba seven minutes from time in Mongomo.

He also stabbed home the third goal in a 3-0 spanking of hosts Equatorial Guinea to earn his first victory as captain of the Black Stars.

And all this was achieved despite him admitting he was not fully fit for this tournament.