Undefeated since his appointment as head coach of the Black Stars of Ghana, Otto Addo have tasted his first defeat after five games in charge against Japan in the ongoing Kirin tournament. Mastermind his fifth game today, the 47-year-old tactician did not see through past the host nation under the leadership of Hajime Moriyasu who beat him on the score-line of 4-1, two goals each in both halves.
Drew against the Super Eagles of Nigeria twice in World Cup qualification, won against Madagascar and drew against Central African Republic a few days ago in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Otto Addo was hoping for more records but Japan gave him hard time trying in a heavy defeat.
Miki Yamane on the right-back of the Samurai Blue opened the score line in a loving play on the right side of Ghana’s half in the 29th minute. Jordan Ayew then equalized in the 44th minute from a recovered possession from Kudus Mohammed in Japan’s half. A minute afterward Kaoru Mitoma made it a double in a curled chipped cross which was meant for a cross but ended up beating Lawrence Ati Zigi in the goal post from the far left outside the 18-yard box, before halftime.
In the 73rd minute Real Madrid player, Takefusa Kubo hopped on the score sheet with a tapped cross and Celtic star Daizen Maeda concluded the scores in the 86th minute.
As part of preparation ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Ghana was completely locked out of the game as Japan had the most fun playing all around in possession. Ghana will face Chile next as they also lost against Tunisia.
