Japan dirties Ghana’s Black Queens 4-0 in friendly

Japan’s women’s national football team showcased their dominance with a commanding 4-0 victory over Ghana’s Black Queens in a friendly match held at Go Go Kanazawa Stadium on Saturday, July 13.

Japan immediately took control of the game. Forward Mina Tanaka nearly scored within the opening minutes, only to be denied by Ghanaian goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan Findib’s remarkable save. Tanaka continued to pose a threat, hitting the post and forcing another save from Findib within the first ten minutes.

Ghana’s troubles escalated when veteran player Portia Boakye received a red card in the 23rd minute, reducing the Black Queens to ten players for the rest of the match.

Japan made the most of their numerical advantage, with Tanaka scoring the first goal just after halftime, assisted by Chelsea’s Maika Hamano. Hamano doubled the lead in the 65th minute, followed by a third goal from Aoba Fujino. Ten minutes before the final whistle, Fujino set up West Ham’s Riko Ueki for the fourth and final goal.

This match was a vital part of Japan’s preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games, while Ghana used it to evaluate their readiness for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Japan’s emphatic win boosts their confidence for future tournaments, whereas Ghana will focus on refining their strategy for next year’s continental competition.