Sports
Rebuilding with Promise: Ghana’s young stars hold the key
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.
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Sports
‘Black Stars not there yet’
After seeing Mali undone by Alexander Djiku’s second half strike to give Ghana a 1-0 victory over Mali on Monday in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Accra, Otto Addo gave his thoughts in the post-match press conference.
Below are excerpts.
On the game against Mali
You could see that we have a young squad and players who haven’t been playing often for the national team so far; that made them nervous. I think we got a good game.
We increased the pressure early in the second half, and managed to score out of a set piece. And then it was pure fight afterwards, especially the period after the goal.
On decision-making in the final third
I think if you have played before, you know that sometimes there’s a little bounce from the ball or the position is close and you think too much, I told them actually, but as a footballer, it’s normal that you try to look for a perfect solution.
Semenyo’s performance
He did really well, you know, it’s difficult to compare games from the Premier League with games in Africa and Ghana. It’s very, very difficult and then all games have their own nature and surely you can say that he stands more out in the Premier League, but for me today he was excellent, he fought until he couldn’t run anymore.
On Gideon Mensah
Well, I think sometimes he’s a little bit too confident and we had, especially after the Chad game, had some talks and for everyone who has played football on a higher level.
If he does it in La Liga, it’s fine because in La Liga, if you lose the ball to your opponent, he will counter-press you. He needs to simplify his game sometimes. Didn’t look too complicated, but it’s difficult sometimes if you’re coming from a different environment to switch your thinking.
On Kwasi Sibo’s performance
First of all, big congrats for him. I think he really did well. It’s not easy to come from a different environment to fit into the squad, but yeah, he knows a lot of players already in the team and he connected well. He’s very, very confident and I think he did extremely well, especially when you see that this was his first match. .
On Ghanaians being overly expectant
No, I think the expectations are normal. We are Ghana. For me, if everybody is talking before the Chad game that we already won and we are already taking the three points, it’s dangerous because if this gets to the heads of the fans, it’s a problem for me.
I’m warning everybody who think we have already gone to the World Cup to take things easy. It’s not like that. We have to give the same effort as today to beat Central African Republic. If we don’t do this, it’s a big problem. We have a lot of work to do. A lot of work. It’s going to be very, very difficult.
On goal scoring
You know, the last window, we scored eight goals. I think it was ok, but we can’t expect it all the time. So I hope that the players who missed the chances would score the next time. But it’s all about learning, improving and adapting always to the circumstances.
And I think in each situation, they could have taken one, two, three steps more or more time to look for the partner to have a better overview to give the right pass.
Sports
Black Queens Set to Face England Lionesses in International Friendly
The Black Queens will face the Lionesses of England in a high-profile international friendly on December 2,2025 per agreement between the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the England Football Association.
After reaching the semi-finals at the 2024 WAFCON, the Black Queens are determined to build on that performance and establish themselves among the elite teams on the continent.
This match comes off as part of Ghana’s preparations for all international assignments, including the 2026 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The fixture against England, one of the world’s top-ranked sides and reigning European champions, is expected to provide the Queens with a tough test that will sharpen the squad.
Head coach Kim Lars Björkegren will also seize the golden opportunity to measure the team’s progress, expose the players to world-class opposition, and correct areas that need improvement.
The Black Queens will head into the encounter motivated to put up a strong performance, not only to test their readiness but also to showcase the strides Ghana continues to make in women’s football on the international stage.
