The hope of Ghana to lift the 2025 Unity Cup was deposited after a narrow 2-1 defeat against arch rivals Nigeria in a pulsating semi-final in the Gtech Community Stadium of London on Wednesday.
The result means that the Black Stars are now confronted in third place opposite Trinidad & Tobago in third place, while Nigeria goes to a long-awaited final against Jamaica.
The semi-final of the Unity Cup between Ghana and Nigeria has realized his invoicing and housed one of the brightest rivalry of African football for a lively DiaSpora-length in West London.
Nigeria, a mix of home -based talent and experienced internationals, started the two parties in a clearer way. The Super Eagles took the lead in the 14th minute when the rising running from Ismaila Sodiq ended with a PinPoint Cross that Cyriel Dessers skilfully controlled and ended up past Ghana's Benjamin Asare.
Only five minutes later Ghana's misery got deeper. A dangerous free kick by Samuel Chukwueze was unintentionally gone into his own net by defender Razak Simpson, doubled Nigeria's benefit and left the black stars with a mountain for climbing before half -time.
Despite the setback, Ghana showed – missing key names such as Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Pedey – resilience. The Otto Addo side, with various debutants, regrets after the break and assembled a tough second half of comeback.
Replacement Brandon Thomas-Asante withdrew a goal in the 70th minute and ended a low cross to give Ghana hope. The black stars insisted on an equalizer, with debutant Caleb Yienkyi and Abu Francis who came close, but the Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali's heroism ensured that the Super Eagles held a 2-1 win.
Thinking about the performance and the lessons learned, Ghana coach Addo revealed that a number of young players impressed him.
“We have some answers about players. I think the young players have done really well. They are still learning, trying to improve. I think we have received a lot of answers from our coaching staff.”
The following opponents of Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, were eliminated earlier on Tuesday by Jamaica in a dramatic first semifinal. The Reggae Boyz booked their place in the final with a 3-2 victory, thanks to a final fine by Richard King.
Jamaica had taken a lead of two goals due to the Kasey Palmer's first half strike and the strike of Rumarn Burrell, but Trinidad & Tobago fought back to deliver the match with goals from Isaiah Leacock and Kevin Molino. In De Tijd, King's composed Spot-Kick Sinked the place of Jamaica in the final.
The result means that Nigeria is now confronted with Jamaica in the final of the Unity Cup, and promises an exciting match between two in-shape. For Trinidad & Tobago, the focus shifts to the play-off of third place against Ghana.
With the last out of reach, the Black Stars will now look to end their Unity Cup campaign in a high tone when they are confronted with Trinidad & Tobago in third place on Saturday 31 May in the Gtech Community Stadium.
The match offers a different opportunity for Addo to judge his youthful team and for emerging players to draw up a claim for future national teams.
Despite the disappointment of the defeat, the tournament has offered valuable exposure for the next generation of Ghana. Debutants such as Aaron Essel, Mohammed Fuseini, Christopher Bonsu Baah and Caleb Yienkkyi impressed by their performances against Nigeria, while Thomas-Asante's debut goal was a highlight.
The 2025 Unity Cup, revived after a 21-year-old break, brought Ghana, Nigeria, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago together in a celebration of football and diaspora culture in London.
Owuraku Ampofoflash score