Ghana captain Jordan Ayew has insisted the Black Stars are in Vienna for “serious business”, dismissing any suggestion that their European friendly tour is a pre-World Cup break.
The Leicester City forward, leading a rejuvenated Ghanaian side, spoke ahead of Friday’s high-profile clash against Austria at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion.
The fixture marks the first of a demanding double-header, with a trip to Stuttgart to face Germany following on Monday, 30 March.
Despite several late withdrawals from the squad due to injury, Ayew maintained that the camp remains focused and determined to prove its mettle against top-tier European opposition.
Addressing the media in the Austrian capital, Ayew was quick to set the tone for the week.
While friendly matches are often viewed as experimental, the captain was adamant that the Black Stars are prioritising performance and prestige.
He stated that the team wants to play and do well for their country, noting that every game is important.
The 34-year-old striker noted that while training time has been brief, the squad has utilised every session to sharpen their tactical edge, focusing on defensive discipline and maintaining peak physical condition.
Ayew expressed confidence in the team’s preparation, stating they look good and are ready to see if they can secure a positive result.
These fixtures serve as a critical barometer for Ghana as they fine-tune their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Facing nations of the calibre of Austria and Germany provides head coach Otto Addo with a clear look at how his side stacks up against world-class technical ability.
Ayew added that going into the World Cup is a positive thing for the team and that the players are looking forward to the challenge.
He emphasised their ambition to achieve strong results starting with the match in Vienna.
Ghana faces Austria at 17:00 GMT on Friday, 27 March, before travelling to take on Germany at 18:45 GMT on Monday, 30 March.
Ghanaian fans worldwide will be watching closely to see if this blend of youth and experience can disrupt the European giants on their own turf.
