After the disappointment of missing out on the final, Otto Addo’s side bounced back with a vibrant display, blending experience and youthful exuberance to end the tournament on a positive note.
From the onset, Ghana asserted their authority with captain Jordan Ayew leading by example. Ayew opened the scoring in the sixth minute, curling a superb left-footed shot into the net after a deft piece of skill to create space.
The Black Stars continued to press, and defender Razak Simpson, eager to make amends for his own goal against Nigeria, headed home the second goal from an Ayew corner, doubling Ghana’s advantage.
The third goal was a showcase of Ghana’s exciting young talent. Simpson initiated the move with a precise outside-of-the-boot pass to 19-year-old Caleb Yirenkyi, who quickly passed it to Ayew.
The captain then played in Mohammed Fuseini, who finished confidently to score his first goal for the national team and make it 3-0.
Lawrence Agyekum completed the rout in the second half, his low cross sneaking through the legs of Trinidad goalkeeper Jabari St. Hillaire.
The comprehensive win showed Ghana’s depth and attacking prowess, with Ayew notching a goal and two assists before being substituted just after the hour mark.
Injuries to Fuseini and several substitutions allowed more young players to feature, as Abdul Aziz Issah, Felix Afena Gyan and Majeed Ashimeru came off the bench to gain valuable minutes.
Ghana’s youngsters take opportunity
Before the tournament, head coach Addo made it clear that the Unity Cup was about more than just results and described it as a platform for emerging players to stake their claim for future national team roles.
With several senior players absent due to club commitments and injuries, Addo handed debuts to Joseph Tetteh Anang, Aaron Essel, Caleb Yirenkyi, Abdul Aziz Issah, and Mohammed Fuseini.
Throughout the tournament, these youngsters seized their chance. Caleb Yirenkyi, in particular, impressed with his composure and versatility, contributing to both defence and attack.
Mohammed Fuseini’s goal and overall movement highlighted his potential as a future attacking option.
Defender Aaron Essel and midfielder Abdul Aziz Issah also showed promise, while Lawrence Agyekum capped a strong tournament with a goal in the playoff.
After the third-place playoff, Addo was full of praise for his young charges who seized the opportunity in London.
“We got a lot of answers. It’s always good to look for the future. I think some of the boys used their chances and did really well. Surely we will continue to observe them and see how they do at their clubs.”
His point was re-echoed by captain Ayew who also believes more talents in Ghana deserve a chance.
“It’s their chance. Other players couldn’t make it but Ghana has a lot of players. Some of the new players took their chance well. Ghana has a lot of players and everyone deserves a chance.”
The exposure and confidence gained at the Unity Cup will be invaluable as Ghana looks to the future, with Addo reiterating his commitment to building a competitive squad through healthy competition and opportunities for new talent.
With the Unity Cup concluded, Ghana’s attention now shifts back to their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. The Black Stars currently lead Group I, which also features Mali, Madagascar, the Central African Republic, the Comoros, and Chad. Only the group winner is guaranteed a place at the World Cup, while the runner-up could advance to the inter-confederation playoffs.
Ghana’s next qualifiers are scheduled for September 2025, when they face Chad away before hosting Mali at home. These matches will be crucial as Otto Addo’s side aims to maintain their three-point lead and secure direct qualification to the World Cup.
