Ayew opened the scoring early on against Central African Republic, after Abdul Fatawu was brought down inside the box. With just over five minutes on the clock, he slotted home effortlessly from 12 yards out.
Despite taking the lead, the Black Stars found themselves going into half-time 2-1 down, as Central African Republic equalised five minutes after Ayew's penalty and took the lead five minutes before the break - both goals coming from Louis Mafouata.
Cometh the hour, cometh the man as none other than Ayew levelled for Ghana in the 60th minute, heading a delightful Gideon Mensah cross back across the face of goal. He then fired Ghana into the lead, capitalising on a loose ball inside the box after Thomas Partey's initial shot was saved.
Ghana eventually held on to ensure a 4-3 victory, as Mafouata netted a consolatory hat-trick in the 90th minute. Victory means they now sit top of Group I, knowing that only top spot will guarantee them a place in the 2026 World Cup.