Jordan Ayew’s return to competitive action ended in disappointment as Sheffield United were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by lower-league Fleetwood Town in the third round.
The Ghana international was introduced in the 58th minute but could not help the Championship club avoid elimination against their lower-league opponents.
Ayew joined Sheffield United earlier this month and is still working towards full match fitness after a period without a club during pre-season.
The forward had been without a team throughout pre-season after his contract with Leicester City expired in July. His move to Sheffield United has provided an opportunity to resume his career, but he is continuing to build up his fitness following the extended period away from competitive football.
His appearance against Fleetwood was therefore another step in his return, although Sheffield United’s cup campaign came to an early end.
There was also mixed fortune for another Ghana international in the competition, with Caleb Yirenkyi making his first start for Coventry City in two weeks.
Yirenkyi was named in Coventry’s starting line-up for their home match against Aston Villa and played for 73 minutes before being replaced by experienced Nigerian midfielder Frank Onyeka.
Coventry were unable to progress, however, as Aston Villa secured a 3-1 victory away from home.
For Yirenkyi, the appearance represented a return to the starting line-up after a two-week wait. His 73-minute contribution came as Coventry attempted to compete with Premier League opposition in the Carabao Cup.
Brandon Thomas-Asante, another Ghana international at Coventry, was not used during the match and remained on the substitutes’ bench for the entire game.
Thomas-Asante has found regular first-team opportunities difficult to secure in recent weeks. His last start for Coventry came against Arsenal on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.
The contrasting fortunes of the Ghanaian players came as the Carabao Cup reached the third round, with Ayew getting minutes as he continues his return to full fitness, while Yirenkyi was given a starting opportunity for Coventry.
Ayew’s arrival at Sheffield United earlier this month followed his departure from Leicester City, where his contract ended in July. The subsequent period without a club meant he missed the whole of pre-season, leaving him to regain his fitness after joining his new side.
His introduction against Fleetwood was consequently another chance to increase his playing time, despite Sheffield United’s failure to reach the next round.
At Coventry, Yirenkyi was able to make his first start in two weeks but was withdrawn with 17 minutes of normal time remaining, with Onyeka taking his place.
Thomas-Asante, meanwhile, will continue to wait for another opportunity to return to Coventry’s starting line-up after being left unused against Aston Villa.
The latest Carabao Cup results therefore provided playing opportunities for two Ghana internationals, although neither Sheffield United nor Coventry City were able to advance to the next stage.
For Ayew, the focus now remains on regaining full fitness following his disrupted pre-season, while Yirenkyi will look to build on his return to Coventry’s starting side. Thomas-Asante faces continued competition for a place after another match without an appearance.
