In an international friendly at the Go Go Kanazawa Stadium on Saturday, July 13, Ghana’s Black Queens were soundly defeated 4-0 by Japan’s women’s national football team.
The Japanese team dominated the first few minutes of play. In the second, forward Mina Tanaka almost scored, but Ghanaian goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan Findib made a fantastic save to save her from doing so.
Ten minutes later, Tanaka still threatened, striking the upright, but Findib produced another outstanding stop to keep the score tied.
But in the twenty-third minute, veteran player Portia Boakye was sent off, severely hurting Ghana’s chances. The Black Queens had to play with 10 players for the rest of the match.
Japan made the most of their numerical advantage, and just after halftime, Tanaka finally found the back of the goal thanks to a ball from Chelsea player Maika Hamano.
In the 65th minute, Hamano increased Japan’s lead, and two minutes later, Aoba Fujino added a third.
Ten minutes from time, Fujino switched roles again and helped West Ham forward Riko Ueki score Japan’s fourth goal.
Japan utilized the game as a warm-up before the Olympics, and Ghana used it to gauge how ready they were for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2024.
The comprehensive victory will undoubtedly boost Japan’s confidence as they prepare for the prestigious tournament, while Ghana will look to regroup and work on their strategy ahead of next year’s continental showpiece.
