Ghana secured their spot at next year's AFCON tournament in Cameroon after playing out a 1-1 draw with Bafana Bafana before trouncing Sao Time Principe 3-1 in their final match of the qualification campaign.
Charles Akonnor's side boasted a strong home-based contingent for the two matches, due to unavoidable Covid-19 travel restrictions, but delivered the results to ensure Ghana's qualification for the 33rd edition of the competition.
While preparations will now turn towards the finals in January next year, national team captain Ayew was quick to praise the contributions of the locally-based players and encouraged them to continue to fight for a spot in the squad.
"South Africa was a tough game," Ayew said, per Football Ghana. "Locally-based players started and played very well. They were tactically disciplined and played to the best of their abilities. They gave us a point to put us one point in Cameroon. And l want to congratulate the whole squad.
"As of today, I am just proud of them, the home-based players. For all of them, it is their dream to play for the Black Stars as it is always my dream. When l wear the jersey I am more than happy and [I feel the same] as soon as l get a call-up.
"So l am very proud of them and l am sure they are proud of themselves, their families are proud of them. They have to keep working. As long as they keep working we may not know how but the chances will come."