Ghana’s Unity Cup dream ends in narrow defeat to Nigeria

Ghana’s senior national men’s football team, the Black Stars, saw their hopes of Unity Cup glory dashed after a tense 2-1 semi-final defeat to arch-rivals Nigeria at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium.

The Super Eagles struck early through Cyriel Dessers before forcing an own goal to take control, leaving Ghana chasing the game despite a spirited second-half fightback.

Dessers delivers as Nigeria take charge

Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers, handed a rare start, made an instant impact by breaking the deadlock after just 14 minutes.

Debutant Ismaila Sodiq was the architect, tearing down the right flank before delivering a pinpoint cross for Dessers to slot home.

Nigeria doubled their lead minutes later when Seyi Ajayi’s header deflected off Ghana’s Razak Simpson for an unfortunate own goal.

The Black Stars were fortunate not to concede a third before half-time, with goalkeeper Benjamin Asare pulling off a stunning save before Wilfred Ndidi’s follow-up was cleared off the line.

Ghana fight back but fall short

A reshuffled Ghana side emerged with renewed energy after the break, dominating possession and carving out chances.

Their persistence paid off when substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante fired in his first international goal with 20 minutes remaining, setting up a nervy finale.

Caleb Yirenkyi came close to marking his debut with a dramatic equaliser, while Abu Francis was denied by a superb late stop from Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali. Despite their efforts, the Black Stars couldn’t find a second breakthrough.

Final showdown set as Jamaica await Nigeria

Nigeria will now face Jamaica in Saturday’s final after the Reggae Boyz edged Trinidad and Tobago 3-2 in a thrilling semi-final.

Former England manager Steve McClaren, now in charge of Jamaica, saw his side snatch victory with a 94th-minute penalty from Richard King.

Meanwhile, Ghana must regroup for a third-place playoff against Trinidad and Tobago on the same day.