Japan continued their impressive form in international friendlies with a solid 2–0 victory over Ghana in the Kirin Challenge Cup 2025 at Toyota Stadium, Aichi.
Both teams have already qualified for the global showpiece, but it was the Samurai Blue (FIFA Rank 19) who delivered a controlled and disciplined performance against the Black Stars (Rank 73).
Japan’s breakthrough came in the 16th minute following a high press. Kaishu Sano won the ball and immediately released Minamino, who calmly beat the Ghanaian goalkeeper one-on-one with a composed right-foot finish. The goal was Minamino’s 26th for Japan, drawing him level with Kazushi Kimura and placing him tied for 8th on Japan’s all-time scoring list.
In the second half, Japan pushed aggressively for a second goal. Their persistence paid off in the 60th minute when Takefusa Kubo shifted direction inside the box before squaring the ball to Doan. The Freiburg midfielder unleashed a powerful left-foot strike to make it 2–0.
Moriyasu then made several substitutions, including giving 19-year-old Ryunosuke Sato valuable minutes, as Japan continued to test the Ghana backline.
The Samurai Blue will next turn their focus to their upcoming friendly against Bolivia, where several newly called-up players — including Kitano, Kokubo, and Goto, making their first senior squad appearances — hope to earn their debuts.
Credit Photo : JFA
