Japan thumped on the Black Stars of Ghana by an emphatic 4-1 at the Noevir Stadium in the second semi final of the ongoing Kirin Cup tournament.
The Blue Samurai started well and nearly snatched the lead on the 10th minute after Ritsu Doan stole from Edmund Addo and made a blistering run but shot wide for a restart.
The homesters broke again nine minutes later in a Takefuso Kubo led attack, sets up Mitoma whose shot was initially blocked by Dennis Korsah but a follow up header from Ueda was collected by Lawrence Ati Zigi.
On the 23rd minute, Kaoru Mitoma went pass Andy Yiadom nicely in the box and sent a powerful hit but was dealt with once again by Ati-Zigi and subsequently got cleared out by the Ghanaian backline.
Japan finally took the lead on the 29th minute through Miki Yamane who slotted into the net after Takefusa Kubo's cross got a connection from Ayase Ueda to fell on his way.
Ghana got themselves back on level terms on the 43rd minute. Goalkeeper Kawashima misplaced a pass on the path of Antwi-Adjei, laid off to Jordan Ayew just at the edge of the box and also struck straight into the top corner to get the leveller.
Just few later, the Asian giants restored their lead through Karou Mitoma whose deep inswing cross eluded everyone in the box to get into the net for their second.
In the second half, Ghana look like stepping up their game this time but still fell behind in terms of possession but made some incursions at the early stages.
The Japanese pushing more men forward in search for their third and first since the restart but the resolute Ghanaian backline always ensure safety.
On the 70th minute, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku intercepted a pass on the left, made a great serging run towards the opposition area and sent a drive was way off target for a goalkick.
Just three minutes after, Real Madrid youngster Takefusa Kubo made it 3-1 for the Blues after tapping into the net from Karou Mitoma's cross.
On the 83rd minute, Japan recorded their fourth through substitute Daizen Maeda who tapped into the net from Junya Ito's pass.
It finished 4-1 after full time in Kobe. Japan cruise to final and will face Tunisia whiles Ghana take on Chile in the third place playoff, all on Tuesday, June 14, 2022.
By: Iddriss Abdul Rahim
