Ghana’s Black Stars faced a challenging night in Toyota as Japan secured a 2–0 victory in Tuesday’s international friendly, with strikes from Takumi Minamino and Ritsu Doan proving decisive.
For Otto Addo’s men, the encounter brought difficult spells, glimpses of promise, and useful lessons ahead of their upcoming competitive matches.
Japan came out aggressively, immediately putting Ghana under pressure.
Within the opening five minutes, Minamino forced debutant goalkeeper Joseph Anang into a sharp stop — his first major test in national colours. The pressure, however, continued to mount.
The breakthrough arrived in the 15th minute when Kaishu Sano slipped a clever ball through to Minamino, who calmly slotted into the bottom corner. The hosts went 1–0 up, sending their supporters into loud celebration.
Ghana responded positively, with Kamaldeen Sulemana and Derrick Köhn driving attacks forward. Köhn, also making his debut, came closest — first with a left-footed effort from a corner, then moments later setting up Jonas Adjei, whose shot drifted narrowly wide.
The Black Stars tightened their defensive shape, pressing higher and unsettling Japan, but the equaliser remained elusive.
As halftime approached, Japan increased their tempo, yet Ghana held firm and went into the break trailing 1–0 but still in contention.
The second half began with Japan once again dictating play. Ghana tried to break through their pressing game, but Ao Tanaka and Sano consistently disrupted transitions.
In the 59th minute, Japan doubled their advantage. Doan surged down the right flank and fired low past Anang to make it 2–0. The Ghanaian keeper, who had earlier kept his side in the game, had little chance this time.
Soon after, Japan nearly added a third, but Anang produced another fine save — this time denying Kamaldeen, who had mistakenly misplayed a back-pass under pressure.
Otto Addo introduced fresh legs, bringing on Alidu Seidu, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Gideon Mensah, Prince Adu, and Prince Owusu as Ghana searched for a way back. Prince Adu came closest, forcing Hayakawa into a strong save with a long-range strike.
Japan, however, showcased their depth and composure, managing the final stages with discipline.
After four minutes of stoppage time, the referee blew for full-time: Japan 2–0 Ghana.
Despite the loss, there were positives for Ghana.
- Joseph Anang impressed on debut, showing composure, making crucial saves, and organising his defence.
- Derrick Köhn displayed attacking intent, troubled Japan’s backline, and played a key role in Ghana’s best first-half spell.
Both newcomers gave Otto Addo encouraging options as the Black Stars prepare for their World Cup qualifying campaign.
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