Andre Ayew’s Left Foot Lights Up the U-20 World Cup

The group stage of the 2009 U-20 World Cup is flying a little under the radar right now. Mostly because the tournament isn’t as advertised. The U-20 World Cup should be a genuine showcase for the world’s best talent aged under 20. But the names we would have been excited to see – players like Bojan Krkic, Mario Balotelli, and Jack Wilshere – aren’t involved for various reasons, and the tournament is all the poorer for it.

One big name brightspot is 19 year old Ghana captain Andre “Dede” Ayew. The fact that he’s the son of Abedi Pele is enough to get our attention. But after Dede more than held his own playing for Ghana in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations as a just turned 18 year old, it’s pretty clear that he’s a promising player in his own right.

Ayew confirmed that yesterday by leading Ghana to a 4-0 win over Group D opponents England, including an excellent excellent goal where he found the top right corner from distance with his left foot. Great photo of what I think is that strike above, conclusive video after the jump:

Ayew’s left footed strike is about 0:15 into this video:

On that sort of form the Black Satellites (excellent name for the Black Stars junior team, eh?) are going to do very well in this U-20 World Cup. With two wins out of two they’ve already qualified for the next round, and will battle it out with Uruguay for Group D top spot on Friday.

As for Andre Ayew, he’s currently contracted to Marseille, but on loan at newly promoted French Ligue 2 team AC Arles-Avignon. If he impresses there, and continues to impress in Egypt, then he just might be back for the real thing in South Africa next June.

2009 U-20 World Cup schedule here.

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