Japan thrash Ghana 4-1 in Kirin Cup semifinals
Ghana suffer a heavy defeat in their opening game, semifinals of the Kirin Cup to hosts Japan at the Misaki Park Stadium- venue where African giants Tunisia walked over South American reps Chile.
Tunisia’s victory over Chile may have come as a morale booster for Ghana ahead of their first game but could not stand the might of Japan some hours later.
Japan named a strong lineup similarly as Ghana with the likes of Kawashima, Yoshida, Taniguchi, Ito, Endo, Kubo, Ueda and Mitoma starting for the hosts.
Ghana saw Daniel Amartey, Mubarak Wakaso, Jordan Ayew, Kudus Mohammed and Andre Ayew been called into action. Japan started well with indication of being the better off Ghana.
They took the lead after Miki Yamane rose through Black Stars defence on the 29′ minute but Ghana responded a minute to first half with Jordan Ayew sending a stunning shot to roof of near posts. Kaouru Mitoma extended Japan’s lead before end of first 45 minutes.
Japan poured forward again at the beginning of the second half while Black Stars warmed into the game along the line but only temporary as Japan re-took dominance midway.
They were rewarded with that after Takefus Kubo added the third before Daizen Maeda wrapped the 4-1 Japan victory on Friday morning.
Japan and Tunisia now play at the final of 2022 Kirin Cup.
