2022 Kirin Cup: Japan thrash Ghana in opener

Japan thrashed the Black Stars of Ghana 4-1 in the 2022 Kirin Cup opener on Friday.

Real Madrid starlet Takefusa Kubo scored his first international goal as the host nation cruised to a comfortable victory to step up their World Cup preparations.

The 21-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Mallorca, turned home Kaoru Mitoma’s cross midway through the second half to open his account for Japan in his 17th appearance.

Japan took the lead in the 29th minute through Yamane but Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew equalised for the Black Stars against the run of play in the 44th minute when Yamane gave the ball away to Ayew, who drilled it past goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima.

Japan made sure the visitors’ lead was short-lived, however, as Mitoma struck in first-half injury time with a cross that made it all the way in for a goal.

Kubo made the game safe for Japan in the second half, before substitute Maeda added a fourth goal with a close-range finish.

The defeat was Otto Addo’s first loss since he was appointed as Ghana coach, having played five games.

The Black Stars will now face Chile, who lost to Tunisia earlier on Friday, while Japan take on Tunisia in the final of the four-team Kirin Cup tournament on Tuesday.