Andre Ayew has revealed he was not fully fit but sacrificed to play through the pain barrier to guide Ghana to the quarter-finals of the 2017 Africa cup of Nations following 1-0 win over Mali on Saturday at the Stade de Port-Gentil. 

Ayew was reported to have contracted malaria but he managed to start and lasted the entire duration of the feisty clash, exhibiting impressive performance as the Black Stars edge the Eagles in the second match of Group D.

''I wasn't feeling well. I had some temperature and therefore had little training yesterday and the day before but the medical team treated me well. I felt I could help and I gave it my all and I'm very happy we got the qualification,'' he said in a post-match interview.

''The sacrifices we are all making are paying off and make you know that hard work really pays off.''

A solitary Asamoah Gyan goal in the first half was all the Black Stars needed to secure qualification to the next stage of the competition with one game to spare.

 Ayew should be available for their final Group match against Egypt.