Andre Ayew insists Olympique Marseille will do everything to qualify back into the UEFA Champions League by the end of this season despite seeing his side give away an injury time equalizer and all three points in a 1-1 draw at Saint Ettiene in Ligue 1 Sunday night on his first start since returning from injury.
Dede made his long awaited return after replacing Florian Thauvin for the last 17 minutes as Marseille romped to a 3-0 win over Bastia last week for his first appearance since suffering injury in Ghana’s decisive World Cup qualifying second leg game against Egypt back on November 15 last year.
The Black Stars midfield workaholic showed enough to convince Marseille coach, Jose Anigo to give him a starting berth and eventual 90 minutes action at St. Ettiene as the former Europeans champions eagerly push for European qualification.
The late goal conceded meant the point earned pushed Marseille’s tally to 40 in 6th spot after 25 Ligue 1 games, five points behind Lille who occupy the 3rd and final Champions’ league qualifying place with 13 games to go.
“I was happy with our performance but obviously disappointed we let in that late equalizer. We were tactically disciplined and overall we played well but we would have preferred the score remains 1-0 rather than to draw. If we had won, we would have overtaken St. Etienne and get close to Lille. We will do whatever it takes to get to that position because it is important for the city, the club and the players,” Dede told the Marseille website after the game.
Marseille have been eliminated from European football this season after they finished bottom of the Champions League group behind Dortmund, Arsenal and Napoli.
Source: allsports.com.gh