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Black Stars crash-land

Japan midfielder Hiioshi Kiyotake shoots at Ghana goalie Razak Braimah as defender Kissi Boateng (right) closes in to support. Picture: Getty ImagesGhana’s high-flying Black Stars crash-landed in Yokohama yesterday as the Blue Samurai of Japan posted a 3-1 thrashing of their Ghanaian counterparts in an international friendly.

Fresh from last Friday’s victory over Zambia in Kumasi and the subsequent passage into the play-offs of the African World Cup qualifying series, the Stars had flown to Japan with high hopes, despite missing key names such as Michael Essien, Wakaso Mubarak, Andre Dede Ayew, Asamoah Gyan and Kwadwo Asamoah.

In what looked more of an experimental exercise for Coach Kwasi Appiah, it was goalkeeper Razak Braimah who stood out for Ghana — playing both the hero and villain as the home side came from behind to win in style.

The manner in which the Ghanaian defence was exposed on numerous occasions and let in avoidable goals, was reminiscent of Zambia’s consolation goal last Friday in Kumasi. Those defensive frailties would be a source of worry for Coach Kwasi Appiah, who used yesterday’s match as a dress rehearsal for a much tougher World Cup playoff next month.

Playing in his first full international in Ghanaian colours, the Spain-based goalkeeper displayed agility and sharp reflexes that kept Japan’s frightening forward line that included Manchester United’s Shinji Kagawa.

Youngster Frank Acheampong’s early goal had seen Ghana take the slim advantage into recess, But Shinji Kagawa’s strike beat Braimah at his first post before Yasuhito Endo’s low drive sailed under the goalie’s diving left hand.

Keisuke Honda made matters comfortable for the homesters with a delicate header later.

It was a reality check by the Japanese who recovered from a goal down to win 3-1 in the match played at the Nissan Stadium.

Ghana shot into the lead in the 24th minute through Acheampong’s deflected shot. Samuel Inkoom and Abdul Majeed Waris exchanged passes from a counter attack and the ball strayed into the path of Acheampong whose shot deflected off the body of a Japanese defender before wrong-footing goalkeeper Kawashima Eiji.

Before then, Keisuke Honda had forced a fine save from goalkeeper Braimah, while Shinji Kagawa watched in agony as his bullet flew just over the crossbar.

The otherwise jubilant 70,000 fans went dead after the goal as Ghana looked buoyed with Abdul Majeed-Waris and Christian Atsu tormenting the backline of the Blue Samurai.

But the Black Stars’ dominance could only last till the interval as Japan came into the second half with a different game plan to push more men forward, and five minutes later Kagawa levelled the scoreline with a beautiful individual effort when he cut in from the flanks and shot from outside the box into the net.

Consequently, the Blue Samurai dictated the pace and not even the introduction of substitutes, Daniel Opare, Jonathan Mensah, Rabiu Mohammed, Solomon Asante and Mahatma Otoo at different times of the game could make any difference.

Similarly, Alberto Zaccheroni’ side made a number of substitutions which continued to strengthen the team and in the 64th  minute goalkeeper Braimah’s howler shot the host in front after he failed to grab an innocuous strike by Yasuhito Endo.

Except for the occasional counter attacks, Ghana sat back and soaked the pressure before Keisuke Honda sealed victory in the 72nd minute, heading home from a cross.

Ghana: Razak Braimah, Samuel Inkoom/Daniel Opare, Richard Kissi Boateng, Rashid Sumaila/Jonathan Mensah, John Boye, Harrison Afful/Rabiu Mohammed, Albert Adomah/Solomon Asante, Yussif Chibsah, Abdul Majeed Waris, Christian Atsu/Mahatma Otoo, Frank Acheampong.

Story: Michael Quaye/Graphic Sports/Ghana

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