Ghana’s hopes of reaching the Unity Cup final were dashed after a disappointing 2-1 loss to Nigeria. The Black Stars struggled defensively in the early stages, and despite a spirited second-half performance, they couldn’t overturn the deficit. Here are five key takeaways from the match.
1. Defensive struggles cost Ghana early
The Black Stars were caught off guard in the opening minutes, conceding twice within the first 19 minutes. Nigeria’s early dominance exposed Ghana’s backline, with Razak Simpson’s unfortunate own goal setting the tone. Poor communication and lapses in concentration from defenders like Mohammed Salisu and Daniel Amartey made Ghana vulnerable against Nigeria’s aggressive attack.
2. Brandon Thomas-Asante’s debut goal offers hope
Despite the disappointing loss, Brandon Thomas-Asante provided a moment of brilliance in the second half. The Coventry City forward, playing in his first official game for Ghana, showed composure and sharp movement to score his debut international goal. His performance suggests he could become an important attacking option for Ghana moving forward.
3. Local players failed to make an impact
Otto Addo opted to give opportunities to some home-based stars, but Benjamin Asare, Kwame Opoku, and Ibrahim Sulemana struggled to impress. Their lack of experience in high-intensity matches showed, as they were often outmuscled by Nigeria’s midfielders and defenders. This raises questions about whether Ghana should rely more on overseas-based professionals in future competitive matches.
4. Otto Addo’s tactical decisions under scrutiny
The Ghanaian coach made some questionable choices, particularly with his late substitutions. With Ghana trailing, many expected him to introduce fresh attacking options earlier, but his reluctance to make changes stifled any chance of a comeback. His decision to bench Mohammed Kudus until the 75th minute also sparked debate, as the talented midfielder could have influenced the game more.
5. Cyriel Dessers continues to haunt Ghana
The Rangers striker proved once again that he loves scoring against Ghana, netting his third goal in his last three appearances against the Black Stars. His ability to exploit defensive weaknesses and position himself well inside the box made him a constant threat throughout the game. Ghana’s inability to neutralize him remains a major concern.
What’s next?
With the defeat, Ghana now shifts focus to a third-place match against Trinidad and Tobago, while Nigeria advances to the final against Jamaica. Otto Addo and his squad will look to bounce back and finish the tournament on a positive note.
Ghana’s performance raises important questions about defensive stability, squad selection, and tactical flexibility. Do they have the right formula for upcoming qualifiers? Time will tell.
