Black Queens hammered by Japan in international friendly
By Lukman MUMIN, Accra
Ghana’s Black Queens suffered a 4-0 defeat to Japan in an international friendly in Tokyo on Saturday, July 13, at the Kanazawa Go Go Curry Stadium.
The Black Queens, who were reduced to ten women halfway through the first half succumbed to pressure in the second half, as they conceded all four goals after the break.
Goals from Mina Tanaka, Maika Hamanao, Aoba Fujino and Riko Ueki were enough for the Olympic Games-bound side.
Japan dominated the game from the onset, pinning Ghana back, and were only unlucky to head into the break without a goal, after they were twice denied by resolute defending from the Black Queens.
However, things went from bad to worse for the team after captain Portia Boakye was sent off in the 23rd minute.
Although the team held their own in the first half, a stronger second-half display saw Japan tear apart Ghana.
Japan capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Tanaka finally finding the back of the net just after the interval, courtesy of a pass from Chelsea player Maika Hamano.
Hamano doubled Japan’s lead in the 65th minute before Aoba Fujino added a third two minutes later.
Fujino then turned the provider, assisting West Ham forward Riko Ueki to score Japan’s fourth goal ten minutes from time.
The exercise which serves as a preparatory game for Ghana ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next year, saw the Black Queens test some new players in the squad including US-based Princes Marfo.
