Ghana’s Black Stars suffered a 2-0 defeat to Japan in the 2025 Kirin Challenge Cup at the Toyota Stadium in Aichi. The international friendly, part of Ghana’s build up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saw coach Otto Addo adjust his starting lineup, handing Joseph Anang his first senior appearance in goal and giving Antoine Semenyo the captaincy for the first time.

Anang made an early save in the 5th minute to keep out a soft effort from the hosts, but Japan broke through in the 16th minute after Semenyo lost the ball in midfield. The turnover opened space for the Japanese attack, and Takumi Minamino, the home side’s captain and former Liverpool midfielder, finished calmly after receiving a well placed pass.

Ghana pushed back with efforts of their own. Brandon Thomas-Asante’s volley was deflected for a corner, and Derrick Kohn sent a low drive just wide. Kohn later produced a strong block to stop what looked like a certain second goal for Japan.

Around the hour mark, however, Ritsu Doan got his chance and tucked in a sharp finish at the near post to extend Japan’s lead.

The game took a worrying turn early in the second half when midfielder Abu Francis sustained a serious injury while attempting a tackle.

Japan created more openings but were wasteful in front of goal. With the loss behind them, the Black Stars now turn their attention to their next friendly against South Korea on November 18.

Ghana will be without captain Jordan Ayew and midfielder Mohammed Kudus for their upcoming international friendlies against Japan and South Korea.

Kudus, who missed Tottenham Hotspur’s last two matches, is currently recovering from an injury and will remain in England during the international break. The Ghana Football Association has not offered any official explanation for Jordan Ayew’s absence.

There is good news on the squad list, though. Czech Republic–based striker Prince Kwabena Adu has earned his first national team call-up after scoring six goals for Viktoria Plzeň this season. He is joined by two other debutants: Kelvin Nkrumah of Medeama SC — who has played in all nine Ghana Premier League games as Medeama sits second — and Prince Osei Owusu of FC Montreal, who has scored nine goals across 31 appearances.

Left-back Derrick Kohn could also make his Ghana debut after successfully completing his nationality switch through FIFA.

Coach Otto Addo will lead the team’s first training session on Wednesday in Nagoya, ahead of the opening 2025 Kirin Cup match against Japan on Friday, November 14. Ghana will then face South Korea four days later.

The fixtures serve as key preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

Asante Kotoko head coach, Abdul Karim Zito, says his side is fully prepared to take on Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca in the CAF Confederation Cup. The Porcupine Warriors will host Wydad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 19, 2025, for the first leg of their second preliminary round tie. The return fixture will take place a week later in Morocco.

The overall winner will progress to the group stage — a milestone Zito describes as the team’s minimum target this season.

“We are definitely ready. We’ll put finishing touches to our preparations tomorrow,” Zito told Joy Sports.

“We’ve studied Wydad’s game carefully and implemented what I want the players to do on Sunday. Everyone is focused and ready.”

Kotoko enter this clash in high spirits after eliminating Kwara United of Nigeria in the previous round, winning 4–3 in Ghana and 1–0 away in Abeokuta.

Zito believes that a win in Accra will set the tone for qualification.

“If we beat Wydad here, it means I have another game to plan for in Morocco,” he said.

“The goal is to avoid conceding there, just like we did against Kwara. Our main target is to reach the group stage — that’s what we’re working for.”

The coach emphasized the importance of winning the home leg, using a passionate message to motivate his players.

> “It’s very important to win in Accra,” he said. “I told them, ‘You will not see Africa until you are in Africa.’ I reminded them how Dreams FC made it to the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals and now all those players have moved on. This is their moment to showcase their talent and make people believe in them.”

Asante Kotoko will be counting on the home crowd’s support when the game kicks off at 3:00 p.m. GMT.