The Black Stars of Ghana were handed a disappointing 2–0 defeat by the Samurai Blue of Japan in their opening fixture of the 2025 Kirin Challenge Cup on Friday evening at the Toyota Stadium in Aichi.
Japan started the match with intensity and precision, dominating possession and forcing Ghana to chase the game early. Their pressure paid off just 15 minutes in, when Takumi Minamino finished off a swift attacking move to give the hosts a deserved 1–0 lead. The goal unsettled Ghana, which struggled to advance the ball through midfield.
The second half saw Japan tighten its grip on the match. In the 59th minute, Ritsu Doan doubled the lead with a composed strike after finding space on the edge of the box. The goal further tilted the momentum, leaving Ghana with an uphill task.
Ghana’s problems deepened when midfielder Abu Francis was stretchered off after suffering an injury—a moment that visibly disrupted the team’s rhythm. Despite late efforts from substitutes and brief attacking sparks, the Black Stars failed to break Japan’s defensive line.
Ghana head coach Otto Addo used the match to test new players, handing starting spots to goalkeeper Joseph Anang and defender Derrick Kohn, signalling experimentation ahead of future fixtures. However, the result exposed areas that require immediate improvement, particularly defensive transitions and maintaining composure under high pressure.
Japan’s win was built on structure, teamwork, and clinical finishing—qualities Ghana will hope to mirror when they face South Korea in their next international friendly.
The Black Stars now have work to do as they aim to bounce back, regroup, and regain confidence ahead of upcoming international commitments.
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