After beating Brazil, Japan see off Ghana in friendly | OneFootball

Japan defeated fellow World Cup qualifier Ghana by 2-0 in a friendly played at home this Friday, gaining momentum just over half a year before the start of next year’s World Cup.

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Takumi Minamino and Ritsu Doan scored, one in each half, in Toyota, securing another victory for Japan after their historic triumph over Brazil in a friendly last month.

It was Ghana’s first match since securing their spot in the World Cup, with a 1-0 win over Comoros last month.

Minamino opens the scoring, Doan extends the lead

Japan opened the scoring at the 16th minute, when Kaishu Sano found Minamino free in the box. The Monaco striker controlled the ball and calmly finished to put it in the net.

Ghana had their first big chance when Brandon Thomas-Asante, who has scored 10 goals for Coventry in the current English Championship season, shot wide.

In the second half, Doan doubled Japan’s lead just before the hour mark. He received the ball wide in the box, cut inside, and finished firmly with his left foot to make it 2-0.

Injuries worry Ghana

Midfielder Abu Francis left the game on a stretcher early in the second half with what appeared to be a serious ankle injury.

Francis was carried off the field after attempting a tackle on Ao Tanaka of Japan. Shortly after, Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo also left the match still in the second half, increasing concern on the Ghanaian side.

Japan remains strong despite absences

Japan continued to show a good performance even without Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma, who is recovering from injury.

Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo had to settle for a place on the bench upon his return to the squad, after missing the friendly against Brazil due to injury.

In goal, Tomoki Hayakawa took the place of Zion Suzuki, who fractured a wrist and a finger while playing for Parma.

Upcoming friendlies for Japan and Ghana

Japan will continue their World Cup preparations with a friendly against Bolivia in Tokyo next Tuesday.

Ghana, meanwhile, will face South Korea in Seoul, also in a friendly match.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.