Japan Defeats Ghana in Friendly Encounter to Gain World Cup Momentum

Japan secured a 2-0 victory over fellow World Cup hopefuls Ghana in a home friendly on Friday, boosting their confidence with only six months remaining until the tournament next year.

Takumi Minamino and Ritsu Doan netted goals on either side of the interval in Toyota, marking another success for Japan after their historic first friendly triumph against Brazil last month.

This marked Ghana's initial match since clinching their World Cup spot in the United States, Canada, and Mexico through a 1-0 triumph over Comoros recently.

Ghana's midfielder Abu Francis was stretchered off early in the second half, appearing to suffer a severe ankle problem.

Japan had previously overcome Brazil 3-2 in Tokyo, and they once more showed strong form despite the absence of injured Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma.

Liverpool's Wataru Endo remained an unused substitute upon his return to the team, having sat out the Brazil match due to injury.

Goalkeeper Tomoki Hayakawa replaced Zion Suzuki, who had broken his wrist and finger while playing for Parma.

Japan took the lead in the 16th minute as Kaishu Sano picked out an unmarked Minamino inside the penalty area, allowing the Monaco forward to control the ball and slot it home.

Ghana's initial opportunity came when Brandon Thomas-Asante, who has notched 10 goals for Coventry in the English Championship this season, fired wide of the target.

Francis was removed on a stretcher following a challenge on Japan's Ao Tanaka, and Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo also departed early in the second period.

Doan extended Japan's advantage shortly before the 60th minute by receiving the ball on the flank inside the box, turning inwards, and striking a powerful left-footed shot into the goal.

Japan will proceed with World Cup preparations via a friendly versus Bolivia in Tokyo on Tuesday, whereas Ghana face South Korea in Seoul.