Ghana?s Andre Ayew, right, celebrates the second goal of his team against England as teammate Opoku Agyemang follows during their U-20 World Cup group D soccer match at the Ismailia Sports Stadium in the city of Ismailia, eastern Egypt, on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009.(AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Former FIFA U20 World Cup winner Andre Ayew has told Ghana?s squad ahead of their Turkey 2013 opener against France on Friday.
The Olympique Marseille captain the Black Satellites to become the first African country to win the prestigious tournament back in 2009.
Four years on, another select band of players under the guidance of head coach Sellas Tetteh, who was in charge in 2009, want to emulate their triumphant predecessors.
Ghana will also play European champions Spain and USA in Group and Ayew has advised them to be battle-hardened for the task ahead.
?First of all, I?d advise them to prepare well mentally, because it?s a long and draining competition,? Ayew told FIFA.com
?You have to prepare yourself to go through difficult moments and you have to be prepared for tough times on the pitch, in games where strong nerves and mental strength will make the difference.
?You have to be ready to really battle, all in the knowledge that your efforts will perhaps be rewarded at the end of the competition.?
Ghana?s squad prepared for the tournament by playing in a four-nation tournament in Switzerland where they finished second.
The Satellites lost 4-3 on penalties to Brazil after drawing 1-1 in regulation time.
