2025 Unity Cup: Black Stars to settle for third-place playoff after defeat to Nigeria – Nsemkeka
The Black Stars failed to book a place in the final of the 2025 Unity Cup following their narrow defeat to Nigeria on Wednesday evening.
Cyriel Dessers opener and Razak Simpson’s own goal took the game away from Ghana before Brandon Thomas-Asante came off the bench to score a consolation for Otto Addo’s side.
Nigeria enjoyed a blistering start to the game after the Rangers forward scored after just 14 minutes, capitalising on a slip by Simpson in an attempt to clear a cross.
The Nations FC defender’s nightmare show continued after a header deflected off him before beating goalkeeper Benjamin Asare to double the lead for the Super Eagles.
Ghana was forced into a first half substitution after Aaron Essel, making his debut, picked up an injury and was replaced by Ebenezer Annan.
Nigeria went into the break with a commanding two-goal lead.
Addo make two changes at halftime with Caleb Yirenkyi and Thomas-Asante being thrown into the game.
Ghana grew into the game and created chances but had to wait until the 70th minute when a well-worked ball down the left saw Annan set up Thomas-Asante for the Black Stars’ goal.
Debutant Christopher Bonsu Baah almost registered an assist but Jordan Ayew failed to connect with the Genk winger’s cross.
Nordsjaelland’s Yirenkyi and Abu Francis also came close to drawing Ghana levelled late in the game but their efforts failed to hit the net.
At the end of 90 minutes, it was victory for Nigeria who now have back-to-back wins over Ghana in their last two meetings at senior level.
Wednesday nitght’s result means Nigeria will play Jamaica in the final on Saturday, May 31, while Ghana face Trinidad and Tobago in the third-place playoff game.