Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo has stated he met a very strong side and admitted they were the better team from all aspects and deserved to win the game
The Blue Samurai were ruthless to Ghana after marmalizing them by an emphatic 4-1 at the Noevir Stadium last Friday in the ongoing Kirin Cup tournament.
The Japanese opened their scoring account through Miki Yamane. Karou Mitoma increased the tally later, Real Madrid youngster Takefusa Kubo also had his name on the scoresheet before substitute Daizen Maeda rose off the bench to seal the victory.
Ghana's consolation goal was gotten by Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew whose strong hit in the first half went straight into the roof, beyond the reach of goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima.
Reacting to the his first defeat since assuming the Black Stars coaching role, Otto Addo has agreed Japan were the better side with their quick and sumptuous exchange of passes which made them superior throughout the game.
"A team that deserves to win. I admit that Japan was stronger.
“At the end of the first half, we also made a chance and scored a tie goal. However, it was unfortunate that we got a second goal just before the end. Even in the second half, we were fighting solid. However, after that, a third goal was scored and the momentum was lost. Japan was a very fast team with a good combination.
”If we press and steal the ball, we can score. I thought. I think I was able to prove it after 20 minutes in the first half. Still, we couldn’t cover the back space. We had a pocket stabbed. The final phase of one-on-one. I couldn’t stop the other party." He added
Ghana after the defeat, will face two time South American conquerors Chile in the third place playoff, whiles host Japan will battle Tunisia in the final all on Tuesday, June 14, 2022.
By: Iddriss Abdul Rahim
