Japan established control with goals in each half. Takumi Minamino and Ritsu Doan were the scorers who sealed the win.
Japan’s attack broke through in the 16th minute. Kaishu Sano delivered a precise pass into the penalty box. He found Monaco’s Takumi Minamino, who was unmarked. Minamino calmly controlled the ball before sliding it into the net.
The lead was doubled just before the 60-minute mark. Ritsu Doan collected the ball on the wing, cut inside his defender, and drove a powerful left-footed shot home.
Ghana’s Difficult Outing
This match was the first for the Black Stars since they qualified for the World Cup. Ghana punched their ticket to the tournament (set in the US, Canada, and Mexico) with a 1-0 victory over Comoros last month.
Their best chance fell to Brandon Thomas-Asante. The Coventry forward, however, put his shot wide of the post.
Injuries Mar Game for Ghana
The match was overshadowed by significant injury concerns for the visiting team.
Midfielder Abu Francis sustained what appeared to be a serious ankle injury. He was stretchered off the field early in the second half after a tackle on Ao Tanaka. Furthermore, forward Antoine Semenyo also had to be substituted in the second half.
Squad Notes and Future Fixtures
Japan looked composed despite several absences. They were missing injured winger Kaoru Mitoma. Goalkeeper Tomoki Hayakawa started in place of Zion Suzuki, who is recovering from a fractured wrist and finger.
Wataru Endo returned to the squad after his own injury but was not used from the bench.
Looking ahead, Japan will continue its preparations with a friendly against Bolivia in Tokyo. Ghana, meanwhile, will travel to Seoul to play South Korea.
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