Ghana head coach Otto Addo has admitted that Japan will pose a strong challenge in Friday’s Kirin Cup clash, but remains confident in the Black Stars’ ability to triumph despite missing several key players.
The match, set for Friday, November 14, at the Toyota Stadium in Nagoya, will kick off at 10:20 a.m. GMT. It marks the first of two friendlies on Ghana’s Asian tour, with the team scheduled to play South Korea on Tuesday, November 18, in Seoul.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Addo praised Japan’s strength and organisation but insisted Ghana has what it takes to secure a positive result.
“We are very, very pleased to be here. This is not our first time; we know the Japanese Federation has a very strong team,” Addo said.
“It will be difficult for us, but I know we also have the strength to beat Japan. We started very well, and like I said, it’s going to be a tight match, and I’m looking forward to it.”
The 50-year-old coach, who guided Ghana to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, sees the friendlies as a crucial opportunity to test his squad’s depth and sharpen tactics ahead of the global tournament.
Despite fielding a relatively young squad, Addo believes the team’s unity and determination could make the difference against a technically gifted Samurai Blue side.
Friday’s game promises to be an exciting contest between two nations gearing up for football’s biggest stage.
