The Black Stars could not secure a spot in the final of the 2025 Unity Cup after their slim loss to Nigeria on Wednesday night.
Cyriel Dessers’ opening goal and Razak Simpson’s own goal put Ghana at a disadvantage, before Brandon Thomas-Asante came on to net a consolation for Otto Addo’s team.
Nigeria had a furious beginning to the match when the Rangers striker netted a goal in just 14 minutes, taking advantage of a mistake by Simpson while trying to clear a cross.
The Nations FC defender’s troubling performance persisted as a header ricocheted off him and past goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, extending the Super Eagles’ lead.
Ghana had to make a substitution in the first half when debutant Aaron Essel sustained an injury and was replaced by Ebenezer Annan.
Nigeria headed into halftime with a dominant two-goal advantage.
Addo made two substitutions at halftime, bringing Caleb Yirenkyi and Thomas-Asante into the match.
Ghana became more involved in the match and generated opportunities, but it wasn’t until the 70th minute that a well-executed play down the left led to Annan assisting Thomas-Asante for the Black Stars’ goal.
Rookie Christopher Bonsu Baah nearly provided an assist, but Jordan Ayew could not reach the cross from the Genk winger.
Nordsjaelland’s Yirenkyi and Abu Francis nearly equalized for Ghana late in the game, but their attempts did not find the net.
After 90 minutes of play, Nigeria emerged victorious, achieving consecutive wins against Ghana in their recent two encounters at the senior level.
The outcome on Wednesday night indicates that Nigeria will compete against Jamaica in the final on Saturday, May 31, while Ghana will take on Trinidad and Tobago in the match for third place.
NKONKONSA.com
