Ghana midfielder Abu Francis is feared to have sustained a serious fracture after going down with a gruesome ankle injury during the Black Stars’ international friendly against Japan on Friday.
The 24-year-old collapsed to the turf early in the second half after attempting to block a shot, with his ankle twisting sharply on impact. The distressing nature of the incident left several teammates visibly shaken, as medical staff rushed onto the pitch.
Francis, who started the match, was stretchered off in the 56th minute and replaced by Alidu Seidu. Initial indications suggest the injury could keep him out for an extended period, although Ghana’s medical team is yet to release an official diagnosis.
The Toulouse midfielder was making his return to the national team after missing the September and October World Cup qualifiers. He earned his call-up for the November friendlies following an impressive start to life at the Ligue 1 club, having joined from Belgian side Cercle Brugge in the summer. A graduate of Ghana’s Right to Dream Academy, Francis had been hoping to cement his place ahead of the 2026 World Cup campaign.
The match ended in a 2–0 victory for Japan, with goals from Takumi Minamino and Ritsu Doan. Ghana will now shift focus to their next test, a friendly against South Korea on Tuesday, November 18 as they continue preparations for next year’s World Cup.
