Francis Abu Suffers Horrific Injury in Ghana Defeat to Japan in Kirin Cup
Ghana’s night in Aichi went from disappointing to worrying after young midfielder Francis Abu suffered a gruesome injury during the Black Stars’ 2-0 defeat to Japan in the Kirin Challenge Cup on Friday.
The Toulouse rising star, making one of his early senior appearances for the national team, was forced off in the 55th minute following an unfortunate collision around the penalty area.
The 20-year-old attempted to block an effort from Japan’s Aoi Tanaka, but in doing so placed his leg between the midfielder and the ball. Tanaka’s full swing inadvertently caught Abu at an awkward angle, leaving the Ghanaian in visible agony as teammates urgently called for medical support.
Abu received treatment on the pitch before being stretchered off, with early indications suggesting a possible ankle dislocation. The severity of the injury has yet to be officially confirmed, but the scenes were distressing enough to cast major doubt over his involvement in Ghana’s next match against South Korea on Tuesday in Seoul.
His injury compounded a difficult evening for Otto Addo’s side, who conceded in each half through Takumi Minamino and Ritsu Doan.
Missing several senior players, the Black Stars struggled to match Japan’s sharpness and now leave Aichi not only defeated but with a key talent facing a potentially lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Further tests and updates are expected in the coming days as Ghana’s medical team assesses the full extent of Abu’s injury.