By: Kwame Bediako
Ghana’s Black Stars endured a 2-0 defeat against Japan in their Kirin Challenge Cup friendly on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Toyota Stadium.
The Ghanaian side was without several key players Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, and Thomas Partey as they faced a confident Japanese team that had recently secured a landmark 3-2 victory over Brazil.
Japan asserted early dominance in possession but found Ghana’s compact five-man defence difficult to break down. The deadlock finally broke in the 16th minute after a fluid Japanese attack.
Watanabe Tsuyoshi advanced on a cross, and after an interception by Sano Kaishu that connected with Doan, Watanabe, and Kubo Takefusa, Minamino was left unmarked to calmly convert and open the scoring for Japan.
The second half saw Japan continue to press forward, relentlessly testing Ghana’s keeper Joseph Anang. The Black Stars struggled to find offensive rhythm, and in the 60th minute, Doan doubled Japan’s lead with a clinical finish after receiving a precise pass from Kubo on the right side of the box.
Ghana’s night worsened when midfielder Francis Abu suffered a serious injury that forced him off on a stretcher, disrupting Ghana’s midfield balance.
Japan took advantage of their position by introducing several substitutes, including three making their international debut, while the Black Stars found it difficult to respond.
The match ended 2-0 to Japan as Ghana now prepares for their next friendly against South Korea on Tuesday.
These fixtures are key components of Ghana’s build-up toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup, offering critical game time to fine-tune strategies and line-ups ahead of the global tournament.
