Samurai Blue Cruise to Kirin Cup Victory Over Ghana
Ghana’s Black Stars suffered a 2–0 defeat to a ruthless Japan side in Aichi in the Kirin Challenge Cup as goals in each half from AS Monaco’s Takumi Minamino and Ritsu Doan proved decisive, extending Japan’s recent dominance in the fixture following their 4–1 win in 2022.
Arriving in Japan with a squad missing several key players, Ghana initially attempted to settle into the match with patience and to keep to their structure but the Samurai Blue quickly seized control with their high pressing and rapid transitions pinning the Black Stars deep into their own half.
The breakthrough came sixteen minutes inside the game when Minamino drifted into space, collected beautifully a cross field pass before guiding the ball beyond the reach of Ghanaian goalkeeper, Joseph Anang, who was in goal ahead of the regular Benjamin Asare.
Ghana showed flashes of promise as the game progressed and after the restart, pushing bodies forward and looking to exploit spaces behind Japan’s defence.
However, the hosts remained composed and clinical. Their persistence paid off when Doan doubled the lead fifteen minutes after recess with a precise finish into Anang’s near post, effectively sealing the contest and sparking celebrations in the stands.
For Ghana, the defeat served as a sobering reminder of the work required ahead of upcoming World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The absence of regular leaders—including Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, and Mohammed Kudus—proved telling as the side struggled to match Japan’s rhythm and cohesion.
Otto Addo and his men will now turn their attention to Tuesday’s international friendly match against South Korea in Seoul, hoping to regroup, refine their approach, and end their Asian tour on a stronger note.