Key Highlights
- Ghana coach Otto Addo expects a difficult test against Japan in their upcoming friendly.
- The match will take place on Friday, November 14, at the Toyota Stadium during the Kirin Cup.
- Addo believes Ghana has enough quality to beat Japan despite key players’ absence.
- The fixture is part of Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Preparations for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Ghana’s national football team, known as the Black Stars, has embarked on a series of friendly matches to prepare for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team is currently facing Japan in a significant test match scheduled for November 14, 2025.
The match will be held at the Toyota Stadium and forms part of Ghana’s participation in the Kirin Cup. Coach Otto Addo, who has been leading the Black Stars since 2023, expressed confidence in his team’s ability to secure a victory against Japan despite facing challenges due to several key players being unavailable.
Coach’s Perspective
In an interview with the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Addo acknowledged that Japan is a formidable opponent. He stated, “We are very, very pleased to be here. This is not our first time; we know the Japanese Federation has a very, very strong team.” Despite this recognition of their rivals’ strength, Addo remained optimistic about his team’s chances.
He continued by saying, “I think so far everything went well with the organisation and so on, and we are looking forward to that match. ‘It will be difficult for us, but I know we also have the strength to beat Japan.” The coach highlighted that their preparation has been going smoothly, indicating a high level of confidence in his team’s ability to perform.
Upcoming Matches
The Black Stars are not just focusing on this match against Japan. According to Addo, they also have another friendly scheduled for November 18, where the team will travel to Seoul to face South Korea. This series of matches is crucial as it helps in assessing the readiness and performance levels ahead of the World Cup.
Addo added, “Like I said, it’s going to be a tight match, and I’m looking forward to it,” expressing his eagerness for the challenge.
The coach’s approach reflects the strategic importance these matches hold for Ghana as they gear up for one of the most prestigious tournaments in international football.
The upcoming games against Japan and South Korea are part of a broader strategy to ensure that Ghana’s national team is well-prepared for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off next summer. With these matches serving as valuable practice opportunities, Addo hopes to see his team deliver their best performance on the international stage.
