Ghana Prepares for Kirin Cup Clash Against Japan
We are set to face Japan at the Toyota Stadium in Aichi on Friday, November 14, 2025, as part of the 2025 Kirin Cup. This encounter follows our successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place across Mexico, Canada, and the United States. This marks our second journey to Asia in a little over three years, and Otto Addo has been addressing inquiries regarding our rivals, player readiness, and various other topics. Here’s a summary of the press conference held at the Toyota Stadium in Aichi:
Condolences for Recent Tragedy
I want to take a moment to address a serious incident that occurred in Accra, which resulted in the loss of six lives during a military recruitment event at El-Wak Stadium. The Black Stars would like to express our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those affected, and we are hoping for a swift recovery for those injured in the chaos. This was a tragic event, and our thoughts are very much with them.
Thoughts on the Upcoming Match Against Japan
We are genuinely excited to be here. This isn’t our first encounter with Japan, and we recognize the strength of their national team. Overall, the organization for this match seems to be proceeding smoothly, and we are eagerly anticipating the game. It’s going to be a challenging match, but I am confident that we have the capability to triumph over Japan. Our preparations have been positive so far, and I am looking forward to a competitive game.
Update on Salisu and Asare’s Arrival
We will assess their conditions today. The time difference poses some challenges, and we are dealing with a few issues. Salisu experienced an injury in his last match in France, which delayed his arrival due to ongoing treatment. We’ll evaluate his fitness today to determine if he can participate in training. Ultimately, we need to monitor how he feels after the long journey and time adjustment to see if he will be ready to play.
Japan’s Evolution Since Our Last Encounter
Japan’s recent victory over Brazil exemplifies the progress they have made in football. Their development is ongoing, and we recognize that this match will be challenging. However, we too have evolved. Our young players are eager and determined. While we have experienced difficult times as a team, we have also shown that on our best days, we can compete with anyone. Our previous World Cup run demonstrated our potential to almost defeat Portugal and our success against South Korea. We believe we have a competitive squad ready to take the next step.
Analyzing Japan’s Strengths
Japan has a flexible system that allows them to defend in a compact formation, such as a 5-4-1 setup, while also having the capability to press aggressively when needed. I anticipate that they will adopt such a strategy against us. They exhibit strong transitions during play, a high work rate, and excellent athletic ability. Individually, players like Kubo can successfully navigate one-on-one situations, and they boast skilled strikers who can capitalize on crosses. Their experienced defense, highlighted by players like Itakura, adds another layer to their strength. We are well-prepared for this matchup, and I am eager to take on the challenge tomorrow.
