All Jordan Ayew needed was two minutes to get his first goal in four months.
After coming off the bench for the first time since joining struggling Sochaux, the Ghanaian scored to start a 2-0 home win over Bordeaux.
A substitute role seemed to have made the difference for the talented 22-year-old hitman and he was pleased with himself for the maturity with which he accepted the coach’s decision.
Prior to the game on Saturday Jordan had started all seven league games since he completed his loan switch from Marseille in January.
“Not so long ago, if I’d been told I wouldn’t be starting a game then I’d have cried scandal. Now I’ve matured and when the coach told me I’d be on the bench I didn’t say anything. I think I’ve been rewarded for my efforts.”
The son of the legendary Marseille and Ghana playmaker Abedi Pele Ayew was one of the African players signed by former Zambia boss Herve Renard, who is now boss of Sochaux, to save the club from relegation.
Chipolopolo duo Stopolla Sunzu, a centre-half, and midfielder Nathan Sinkala, put in full shifts for Sochaux in the game.
The three points saw them go level on points with 18th-placed Valenciennes, five points shy of safety, but Jordan is confident they will beat the drop.
“I’ve always wanted to do well since I came here and it was a beautiful evening for Sochaux. We played attacking football and were calmer. The team was liberated and I think we’re going to surprise a few people.”
Last week, Jordan was called up for Ghana’s game with Montenegro on March 5
By: Gary Al-Smith/citifmonline.com/Ghana