Unity Cup: “Ghana lost because Nigeria had a very good first half“ - Bismark Kobby Mensah

Former Black Galaxies assistant coach Bismark Kobby Mensah praised the Black Stars. This was despite their 2-1 defeat to Nigeria in the Unity Cup semi-final on Wednesday night.

Ghana played at the Gtech Community Stadium. Nigeria took a 2-0 lead with goals from Cyriel Dessers and a deflected own goal by Razak Simpson. Substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante scored late for Ghana, but it wasn't enough.

Mensah spoke to Accra-based Happy FM after the match. He noted that there were many positives, especially with an experimental squad. “I think the Black Stars did well yesterday,” he said.

He added that considering the new players, the team performed well. Mensah pointed out Nigeria's sharpness as a key factor in their win. “Ghana lost because Nigeria had a very good first half; they took their chances,” he explained.

The match featured several debutants for Ghana, including Mohammed Fuseini and Caleb Marfo Yirenkyi. Coach Otto Addo used this tournament to assess emerging talent.

With this loss, Ghana now prepares for the third-place playoff against Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday, May 31. Meanwhile, Nigeria will face Jamaica in the Unity Cup final later that day.