Unity Cup 2025: Brandon Thomas Asante Scores Debut Black Stars Goal vs Nigeria, Video
- Brandon Thomas-Asante scored the consolation goal as the Black Stars of Ghana succumbed to a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Nigeria
- It was his maiden strike for the four-time African champions since making his debut in June last year
- Ghana's loss to the Super Eagles means they have failed to beat their West African neighbours in their last five meetings
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Brandon Thomas-Asante finally got off the mark for the Black Stars, scoring his debut goal in Ghana’s spirited second-half response against Nigeria during the 2025 Unity Cup clash in London.
The 26-year-old forward, who plies his trade with Coventry City in the English Championship, stepped off the bench with purpose and made an instant impact.
Brought on to replace Kwame Opoku after the break, his arrival coincided with a much-needed tactical tweak from Otto Addo, who reshuffled the setup after a disjointed first half.
Source: Twitter
Brandon Thomas-Asante scores debut Ghana goal
Ghana, trailing by two at the interval, lacked edge in the final third. But Thomas-Asante's energy and movement offered something different.
He pressed higher, stretched Nigeria’s backline, and brought others into play with his clever positioning.
His breakthrough came 24 minutes after being introduced.
The move began deep in Ghana’s half, with Razak Simpson launching a measured long ball to the right flank.
Christopher Bonsu Baah controlled it well and played a neat lay-off into the path of Ebenezer Annan, who had charged forward on the overlap.
The Crvena Zvezda defender whipped in a teasing low cross, which the waiting Brandon calmly slotted in from close range.
For Thomas-Asante, it was a moment to savour: his first goal for the national team in just his third appearance, per Flashscore.
Despite Ghana's late surge for an equaliser and possibly force the game into post-match penalty shootouts, it proved to be too little, too late as Nigeria held on to seal a 2-1 win in West London.
Source: Twitter
Defeat for the Black Stars means they would have to settle for the third-placed fixture against Trinidad and Tobago, who lost to Jamaica in the other semi-final tie, as noted by Ghanasoccernet.
The clash against Trinidad could see coach Otto Addo reward Thomas-Asante with his first start for the Black Stars, who will be looking to bounce back to winning ways against the Soca Warriors.
Meanwhile, Nigeria will face the Reggae Boyz in the final at the GTech Community Stadium on Saturday, May 31.
Five key takeaways from Ghana's defeat to Nigeria
In a separate report, YEN.com.gh examined five major talking points from Ghana's slender loss to Nigeria at the GTech Community Stadium.
A standout concern was the underwhelming display by the home-based players, who struggled to meet expectations.
The analysis suggested that with improved preparation, quicker transitions, and a better blend of youth and experience, the outcome could have been different. For now, however, Ghana must regroup and reassess.
Source: YEN.com.gh
