Audio By Carbonatix
The 2025 Kirin Challenge Cup between Japan and Ghana is scheduled for the Toyota Stadium in Aichi on Friday, November 14, 2025.
The international friendly is a crucial warm-up match for both teams as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America.
Japan are coming off from a 3-2 win against Brazil and is currently unbeaten in their last eight matches, with five wins and two draws.
Ghana, on the other hand, have been impressive, winning six of their last eight games and securing their World Cup spot with a 1-0 win over Comoros in October.
The Stars are without captain Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, Alexander Djiku, Mohammed Kudus, and Elisha Owusu due to injury concerns, while Mohammed Salisu is also a doubt following a late arrival in Japan.
Historically, Japan has held the upper hand, winning five of eight previous meetings.
However, Ghana has been in great form, with a six-match unbeaten streak, with their last defeat dating back to May when they lost 2-1 to arch-rivals Nigeria in the 2025 Unity Cup at the Brentford Stadium in London.
Ghana aim to parade a decent blend with the likes of Gideon Mensah, Kamal Deen Sulemana, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, and Alidu Seidu, while Kwasi Sibo, Caleb Yirenkyi, and Antoine Semenyo fight to inspire the younger ones on Friday.
Newcomers Prince Kwabena Adu, Prince Osei Owusu, Derrick Kohn, and Kelvin Nkrumah have yet to find their feet but bring some freshness to the setup after two impressive training sessions.
Coach Otto Addo and his backroom staff want to use the exercise to test the character, attitude, and reaction of his young team, urging them to grab the chance with the scruff of the neck ahead of the World Cup in June 2026.
The match, scheduled for the Toyota Stadium in Aichi on Friday, November 14, 2025, will kick off at 7pm (Japan Time), 10am Ghana Time.
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