Ghana need to win the CAF Africa Cup of Nations to confirm their status as one of the continent's top sides, Black Stars midfielder Andre Ayew said today.
"At the World Cup, we missed the semi-finals on a penalty. At the last Nations Cup we made it to the final. We've proved that we're a good side, but to be a great side we need a trophy," the Marseille man said on the eve of Wednesday's semi-final with Zambia.
"We're programmed to win the Cup. Being in the semi-final is good, but we're not euphoric. The last four isn't enough for us."
"We've carried the tag of favourites for each of our matches here, and it'll be the same against Zambia," he went on.
"But if Ghana does what needs to be done there won't be a problem. In this type of game there won't be many chances, perhaps two or three, and we have to know how to go for them when they arise. It will all come down to details."
He described Zambia as a very good side, who can cause trouble for any rival, and who play quick up front.
"They've progressed a lot since the last Nations Cup," he added.
"It's a team that people under estimate greatly, everyone's talking about Ghana and Ivory Coast, but Zambia and Mali are in the last four because they deserve to be.
"We haven't had as much time to recover [from the quarter-finals] as they have, but mental strength will decide the outcome," he added.