May 30, 2018//-Ghana proved too strong for 2018 FIFA World Cup bound Japan in Wednesday’s international friendly at the Nissan Stadium.

Despite fielding a depleted side, the Black Stars commenced the game looking very determined to carry the day as they pressed the hosts in a bid to take an early initiative.

Ghana’s fantastic start to the game paid off when Thomas Partey’s brilliant free kick put them ahead in the 9th minute after Emmanuel Boateng was brought down on the edge of the area by Uwara Red Diamond defender Tomoaki Makino.

Japan came back strongly in the game as they tried to pull parity but Ghana stood to the test by thwarting their incessant efforts.

The four-time Africa champions sealed victory in the 51st minute after Emmanuel Boateng was hacked down by goalkeeper Eiji Kwashima in the penalty box – the UD Levante striker stepped up to convert the resulting penalty.

Bayern Munich youngster Akwasi Okyere made his international bow for Ghana in the 82nd to after coming on replace Boateng.

The Black Stars will next face Iceland in another friendly on June 7.

Starting line-up below:

Ofori, Yiadom, Lumor, Sumaila, Opoku, Attamah, Sackey, Acheampong, Boateng, Partey, Ampomah

Reserves: Ati-Zigi, Kassim, Kwasi Okyere, Dwamena, Gyasi, Adomah, Acquah

Ghanasoccernet