Ghana put up an impressive second-half performance but fell to Nigeria 2-1 in the semifinal of the 2025 Unity Cup. Brandon Thomas Asante scored a world-class goal in the 70th minute as Ghana’s youthful side showed class, purposefulness, tenacity, and temperament to the amazement of the fans at the GTech Community Stadium in Brentford.

Coach Otto Addo named a lineup that featured Jordan Ayew and a mix of experienced and young players, including debutants Aaron Essel and Christopher Bonsu Baah.

Gideon Mensah and Kamaradini Mamudu operated as wingbacks, while Abdul Samed Salis and Majeed Ashimeru played in midfield, and Jordan Ayew, Kwame Opoku, and Christopher Bonsu Baah played in the front three.

A nervy first half saw Nigeria take the lead through Cyriel Dessers, who scored inside the opening quarter of an hour after picking up a ball from right-back Ismaila Sodiq to beat goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.

The Super Eagles doubled their lead as Seyi Ajayi’s header went in off Razak Simpson for an own goal. A brilliant save from Benjamin Asare and a clearance off the line denied Wilfried Ndidi from scoring a third before halftime.

Ghana made a real game of it in the second half after Caleb Yirenkyi and Brandon Thomas Asante came on for Kamaradini Mamudu and Kwame Opoku.

The Black Stars then changed formation, with Ebenezer Annan coming in at left wing-back and Gideon Mensah moving into midfield. Brandon Thomas found himself in a good place to connect and score with Ebenezer Annan’s cross, reducing the deficit.

The Black Stars then created a number of decent chances in search of the leveler, with opportunities falling to Jordan Ayew, Christopher Bonsu Baah, and Mohammed Gadafi Fuseini, but they failed to score as Nigeria held on to win the game.

The young Ghana side will face Trinidad and Tobago in the third-place game on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

The Black Stars showed some positives in their 2-1 loss to Nigeria at the GTech Community Stadium in Brentford on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

 The first half was a nervy one, but the change in shape and tactic in the second half had a positive impact on the team’s output, resulting in a much-improved performance that saw Ghana create more chances and pin Nigeria into their half for a significant part of the second half.

There were two debutants, Aaron Essel and Christopher Bonsu Baah, in the first half, but Aaron Essel hobbled off before the first-half whistle due to a hip injury.

 In the second half, Otto Addo made a bold move by bringing on Brandon Thomas Asante and Caleb Yirenkyi, another debutant, for Kwame Opoku and Kamaradini Mamudu, respectively. Nigeria dominated the early stages, with Cyriel Dessers scoring in the 14th minute after picking up a pass from Ismaila Sodiq. 

The Super Eagles doubled their lead when Seyi Ajayi’s header deflected off Razak Simpson for an own goal in the 19th minute.

Coventry City forward Brandon Thomas Asante reduced the deficit for Ghana in the 70th minute, scoring beautifully after connecting with a pass from Ebenezer Annan. 

Otto Addo showed confidence in Mohammed Gadafi Fuseini, who earned his first cap after coming on for Christopher Bonsu Baah in added time. Ghana pushed hard in the second half but failed to take their chances, allowing Nigeria to hold on for the win.

With the absence of key players like Thomas Partey, Alexander Djiku, Alidu Seidu, Kingsley Schindler, Mohammed Kudus, Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo, Abdul Mumin, Joseph Painstil, Osman Bukari, Ibrahim Sulemana, and Inaki Williams, here are some positives from the Black Stars players:

Christopher Bonsu Baah: As a debutant, he showed promise and energy on the right-wing. His pace and movement caused problems for the Nigerian defense at times.

Caleb Yirenkyi: His introduction from the bench seemed to bring a spark to the team. He likely added some fresh legs and energy to the midfield or attack as he was deployed on the right side of Ghana’s defense. The young man showed energy and spark with some runs on the lines and making timely interceptions to stop Moses Simon and Kelechi Iheanacho.

Brandon Thomas Asante: He scored a world-class goal, showcasing his technical ability and finishing skill. This goal will likely boost his confidence and give him momentum going forward.

Gideon Mensah: After moving into midfield in the second half, he seemed to add some control and creativity to the team. His experience and vision were valuable assets in the attacking plays.

Razak Simpson: Although he inadvertently scored an own goal, he showed courage and commitment in defense. Own goals can happen to anyone, and he likely learned from the experience.

Stephan Ambrosius: As a defender, he played a role in organizing the backline and working with his teammates to contain Nigeria’s attacks. His experience and leadership were valuable assets.

Abdul Samed Salis: In midfield, he likely worked hard to win the ball back and distribute it to his teammates. His energy and work rate are important for the team’s overall performance.

Razak Simpson: Although he inadvertently scored an own goal, he showed courage and commitment in defense. Own goals can happen to anyone, and he likely learned from the experience.

Ebenezer Annan: After coming on and shifting to left wing-back, he provided width and supported the attack. His cross led to Brandon Thomas Asante’s goal, showcasing his contribution to the team’s offense. These players, among others, played important roles in the match, and their efforts contributed to the team’s performance.

GFA COMMUNICATIONS

The Black Stars of Ghana will lock horns with Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the semifinal of the 2025 Unity Cup at the GTech Community Stadium on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. This highly anticipated matchup is a rematch of the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoffs, where Ghana emerged victorious with a 1-1 score after a goalless draw at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

Coach Otto Addo will lead a youthful squad, missing key players like Mohammed Kudus, Kamal Deen Sulemana, Thomas Teye Partey, and Inaki Williams. The Black Stars aim to avenge their 2-1 loss to Nigeria in March last year and progress to the final, building on their recent wins in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.

The rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria, famously known as the “Jollof derby,” has a rich history, with 56 encounters between the two teams. Ghana leads with 22 wins, while Nigeria has 13 victories, and 21 draws. The Super Eagles have won three of their last five meetings, including the last encounter being the Championship of African Nations (CHAN) qualifier in Uyo.

Otto Addo expressed his excitement ahead of the match, acknowledging the importance of the rivalry and the potential to get fans back on track with a win. The Black Stars will feature Jordan Ayew and a mix of experienced and young players, while Nigeria will rely on talents like Wilfried Ndidi, Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho, Simon Moses, Frank Onyeka, Stanley Nwabali and Samuel Chukwueze following the absence of Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.

The match is scheduled for May 28, 2025, at 19:45 GMT at the GTech Community Stadium, the home ground of English Premier League side Brentford FC.

The winner will face Jamaica in the final on Saturday, May 31, 2025.