GHANA’s Black Stars were given a harsh reality check today as they were soundly beaten by Japan in a friendly.
Both teams are preparing for the Qatar 2022 World Cup billed for November and December, but the Asians were ruthless in the friendly, winning 4-1 at the Noevir Stadium in Kobe, Japan.
Miki Yamani, Kaoru Mitoma, Nakefusa Kubo and Daizen Maeda scored for the hosts, with Jordan Ayew netting Ghana’s only goal.
Kawasaki Frontale defender Yamani opened the scoring in the 29th minute but Crystal Palace forward Ayew drew Ghana level with a brilliant strike from the edge of the box one minute before half-time with his first Black Stars goal in over a year.
Japan were quickly back in front though, with Brighton winger Mitoma, who spent last season on loan at Belgian side Union SG, scoring in first-half added time.
The Blue Samurai scored twice more in the second half, first through Mallorca midfielder Kubo in the 73rd minute and then Celtic forward Maeda eight minutes from time.
Ghana, who eliminated Nigeria from the Qatar 2022 race, are in Group H for the World Cup alongside Portugal, Uruguay and Japan’s neighbours South Korea.
Japan are in Group E with Germany, Spain and the winners of the CONCAF-OFC playoff.
