Japan will welcome Ghana at the Noevir Stadium in Kobe, in the second semi final of the 2022 Kirin Cup tournament
This is the 21st edition of this competition which serve as perfect warm friendlies for the four partaking countries to prepare for their subsequent games especially the World Cup which comes off later this year.
In the first game, the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia have humbled South American reps Chile by 2-0 at the same venue and will await the winner of this clash in the final.
The Blue Samurai have been sensational having topped their group in the Asian World Cup qualifiers with massive 24 points, having won all their eight matches.
Just recently, they humbled Paraguay by 4-1 to maintain their eight game unbeaten run including an incredible six game winning streak, only to have it halted by giants Brazil who humbled them by 1-0 few days ago.
On the opposition end, the Black Stars also topped their group in the World Cup qualifiers and furthered on to edge out their sworn rivals Nigeria in the playoffs to secure ticket to Qatar.
Coach Otto Addo since taking over the national team is yet to taste a defeat after four tests having humbled Madagascar by 3-0 at home last week in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers before sharing spoils with Central African Republic in their second game.
TEAM NEWS
Japan have no any major injury concerns at their disposal.
The Black Stars arrived few days ago in Japan and have had most of their players ruled out of this game due to injuries, illness and other person issues.
Coach Otto Addo has only 18 players left for this game with only two goalkeepers and threw central midfielders.
Black Stars Probable line up
Lawrence Ati Zigi, Andy Yiadom, Baba Rahman, Daniel Amartey, Alidu Seidu, Mubarak Wakaso, Kudus Mohammed, Andre Ayew (C), Jordan Ayew, Benjamin Tetteh and Felix Afena-Gyan
KICKOFF
9:55am
By: Iddriss Abdul Rahim
