Andre Ayew and Agyemang Badu Share Heartfelt 'Brotherly Love' at Nania Park: Video
- Andre Ayew and Emmanuel Agyemang Badu shared a heartwarming reunion at the Nania Park
- The duo, who were instrumental in Ghana’s historic FIFA U20 World Cup triumph in 2009, went on to represent the Black Stars together
- Ayew, though currently without a club, remains the only active player from the 2009 squad still lacing up his boots
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Former Black Stars skipper Andre Ayew and his old teammate Emmanuel Agyemang Badu shared a heartfelt moment at Nania Park, bringing back memories of their golden days in Ghana’s youth football.
Badu had stopped by the ground to watch a mix of budding talents and established players in action.
Among those already on the pitch was Ayew, dressed in his training kit and dripping with sweat after a light workout ahead of a friendly match.
Source: Getty Images
Andre Ayew and Agyemang Badu share wholesome reunion
Spotting Badu about to take a seat, Ayew walked over with a wide grin.
He playfully boasted that he was the “last man” standing from Ghana’s historic Under-20 squad that lifted the 2009 FIFA U20 World Cup.
The two shared a warm embrace before Badu tried to pull away, only for Ayew to hold him even closer.
With laughter all around, the son of Ghana legend Abedi ‘Pele’ Ayew eventually released his former midfield partner and walked back onto the field for the kickabout.
Watch the video:
Andre and Badu’s connection runs deep. Their friendship began in their teenage years, long before the fame and global recognition.
Together, they played key roles in Ghana’s dominance at the youth level, starting with the 2009 African Youth Championship in Rwanda under coach Sellas Tetteh.
Earlier that same year, Badu and several locally based players had led Ghana to victory in the U20 WAFU Zone B tournament, a triumph that set the tone for their continental success.
Although much of the spotlight at the time fell on prolific strikers Ransford Osei and Dominic Adiyiah, Andre and Badu were the heartbeat of the team.
Andre and Badu lead Ghana to U20 glory in 2009
The crowning moment came later in 2009 when Ghana faced Brazil in the FIFA U20 World Cup final. After a tense stalemate, the match went to penalties.
Source: Getty Images
Andre stepped up to take Ghana’s first spot-kick, calmly slotting it home. Badu then sealed the nation’s biggest youth football triumph, converting the decisive penalty with his trademark staggered run-up, as noted by ESPN.
That goal inspired the commentator’s unforgettable cry: “It’s in Africa, it’s in Africa, it is!”
It remains Ghana’s only U20 World Cup title and the first for any African nation.
Their victory in Egypt opened doors in Europe. Badu became a midfield mainstay in Italy’s Serie A, making 180 league appearances for Udinese, according to Transfermarkt.
Source: Getty Images
His tireless work rate and combative style earned him respect across the league.
Andre, on the other hand, enjoyed a glittering spell with Olympique Marseille before making his mark in the English Premier League with Swansea City, West Ham United, and Nottingham Forest.
Both men also left their mark on the senior national team, amassing a combined 196 appearances for the Black Stars.
Andre Ayew urged to join Ghana Premier League side
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Andre Ayew has been cautioned against joining another foreign club following his exit from Ligue 1 side Le Havre.
A Ghanaian sports journalist argued that returning home to play in the Ghana Premier League would be the best move for the veteran forward.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
