- Ghana lost 2-0 to Japan in the 2025 Kirin Challenge Cup at Toyota Stadium, Aichi
- Black Stars prepare to face South Korea on November 18
- Coach Otto Addo rotated the squad: Joseph Anang made his debut, Semenyo captained
Ghana’s Black Stars were defeated 2-0 by Japan in the 2025 Kirin Challenge Cup held at Toyota Stadium in Aichi.
As part of their buildup to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, coach Otto Addo rotated his squad, handing goalkeeper Joseph Anang his debut and giving Antoine Semenyo the captain’s armband for the first time.
Anang made an early save in the 5th minute to keep Ghana in the game, but in the 16th minute, a misplaced ball from Semenyo allowed Japan to break quickly. Their captain, Takumi Minamino, received a well-timed pass and calmly finished to put Japan ahead.
Ghana pushed for an equalizer, with Brandon Thomas-Asante’s volley being deflected for a corner and Derrick Kohn sending an effort narrowly off target. Kohn later made an important block to deny a second goal, but around the hour mark, Ritsu Doan squeezed a shot in at the near post to double Japan’s lead.
The match also saw a troubling moment when midfielder Abu Francis picked up a serious injury while attempting a tackle early in the second half.
Japan created further chances but could not extend their lead. The Black Stars now prepare for their next friendly against South Korea on November 18.
