Andre Ayew says Ghana deserve all the credit for braving the storm to reach the semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Black Stars were on the verge of an early eviction after losing their opening Group C match against Senegal in Mongomo.
But a late strike from skipper Asamoah Gyan in the 1-0 win over Algeria revived their campaign.
Avram Grant and his charges went on to dispatch South Africa and finished Group winners before dismantling Guinea 3-0 in the quarter-final.
Ayew, the Olympique Marseille star, paid tribute to his teammates for their quick turnaround at the tournament.
“We didn’t start as favourites of the competition or of our Group. There were teams more able to reach the last four,” Ayew said.
“But Ghana are a great African team, we always proved it the last few years at the World Cup or at the AFCON.
“Everything is not perfect but there is a good spirit and a group that wants to achieve something.”