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.
GFA COMMUNICATIONS
The world over, the FA Cup is noted as a competition that produces winners whose pedigree can always be called into question.
This year in particular when many predicted an all-conquering Arsenal to win the English version of the championship, they were beaten by a struggling Manchester City side to win the trophy.
The season before, a dominant Manchester City side also surprisingly lost to Crystal Palace in a final many expected the east Manchester side to triumph.
The Ghana version of the competition is not spared of the surprises and uncertainties about the competition.
On Sunday at the University of Ghana Stadium, Nations FC walked a path that only defunct Ho Voradep treaded on 34 years ago when they suffered relegation in the 1992 edition but won the FA Cup competition.
Having faced the ignominy of relegation, Nations FC put up a strong fight to beat Dreams FC 5-4 on penalties to win the MTN FA Cup after drawing 1-1 in regulation and extra time.
Joseph Effah put Nations FC ahead in the 31st minute with a composed finish before Abdul Razak Salifu levelled for Dreams FC on the stroke of halftime.
Both sides had good chances in the second half and extra time, but all failed to find the back of the net again until the shoot-outs.
It was not just historic. It is the biggest silverware in their trophy cabinet. Though they would campaign from the lower tier of Ghana football, they would hoist Ghana’s flag in the CAF Confederations Cup competition in the next season.
It was a dramatic and memorable season, leaving huge responsibility on the tiny shoulders of Dr Kwame Kyei’s Nations FC.
The focus is now on the future for the winners considering the financial challenge that comes with participation for the continental championship others to arise regarding the acceptance of their home venue.
While commending the FA Cup committee and MTN Ghana, the headline sponsors, one hopes that corporate sectors consider that difficulty and rush to the aid of the club. Ayekoo, Nations FC.
By Andrew Nortey
Sports
National Teams Ambassador, Asamoah Gyan visits Black Queens training, rallies team ahead of WAFCON
National Teams Ambassador, Asamoah Gyan, paid a visit to the Black Queens during training on Wednesday.
The former Black Stars striker offered words of encouragement as the team continued preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
He congratulated the players and technical team for securing qualification to the continental showpiece and urged the team to remain focused, give their best whenever they step onto the pitch and to continue working hard.
The visit marked one of Gyan’s first engagements with a national team since his appointment as Ambassador for Ghana’s national teams.
He also assured the players of his commitment to supporting and motivating the team as they build towards WAFCON.
Gyan’s presence was warmly received by the players and technical staff, with the football icon sharing his experience and inspiring the squad as well.
The Black Queens are currently in camp in Accra as the team continue preparations under coach Kim Lars Björkegren.
