Match Report

Japan 4:3 Ghana 

Read  minute by minute report here

View pictures of the game here

Listen to the views of Richard Kingson & Stephen Appiah  

It's only on few occasions that one can state they were in the presence of a rare event.

The last fifteen minutes of the Japan Ghana game was such an event.

Played in the presence of former Ghana president Jerry John Rawlings, the game was one that anyone present is unlikely to forget.

After dominating large parts of the game for almost 75 minutes, Ghana had taken what seemed to be an unassailable lead of 3:1 against a spirited but clearly less talented Japanese side. However fifteen minutes later it was the Japanese who were smiling after ending the game 4:3 winners.

Ghana coming into this game on the back of an historic second world cup qualification, were expectedly full of confidence. They moved the ball around with Consummate ease finding their men almost telepathically.

A solid midfield marshalled by Chelsea strong man Michael Essien alongside his 'mini-me' Anthony Annan, Ghana seemed impregnable, on top of the wizadary creativity of Laryea Kingston.

It was a surprise they ended the first half only a goal ahead. Asamoah Gyan had a few chances a number of which he created himself. It was no surprise he stepped up to take and convert a penalty won by John Pantsil after a defender tried to handle the ball he had attempted heading in.

The second half saw a number of changes from the Ghanaians, Amamoo for Kingston, Amoah for Dramani, Appiah for Annan.They threatened to run riot with Stephen Appiah looking to bring some more spark to the attack.

The departure of Mensah ended the high line defensive traps Ghana were engaging in the 1st half. Vorsah though showing good promise is one for the future. Experience is everything and he will learn from the likes of Eric Adddo who doesn't 'sell himself short' when going for a tackle.

Though the midfield lacked a bit of bite with the departure of Annan the introduction of Appiah alongside Laryea Kingston, Muntari and Essien reminded Ghanaians, if even only for a brief spell, of the beautiful 'agro style' football the fabulous four displayed two to three years ago when they played together.

Ghana went two goals ahead after a long goal kick executed by Amamoo landed on the edge of Japan's penalty box. Asamoah outmuscled, turned and shot into goal.

A defensive lapse allowed the Japanese number 14 Nakamura to score. A drive accross the face of goal saw Amamoo push it wide but it only went into the inside of the net.

Ghana however went three goals up with Amoah running onto a through pass from Muntari rounding the keeper and cooly puting the ball inside the open net.

At this stage Ghana were cruising and the crowd went into a rendition of 'reeeeeee and ofu'.

It appeared that the players relaxed attempting to entertain the crowd with skills and flicks.

The instrumental L. Kingston who was combining beautifully with Appiah and Essien in the middle of the park pulled up with what seemed like a cramp. He was taken off by coach Milo, and he seemed visibly upset about being asked to come off.

What transpired thereafter was like the parting of the red sea with Ghana seemingly having a non existent midfield and Japan being able to have some productive possession for the first time in the game.

The Japanese consequently scored a second goal with John Pantsil being over elaborate in the penalty area and underhitting a pass which eventually went to the Japan number 11 Tamada who scored.

Japan equalised a minute later through a free header by number 9 Okazaki .

The winning goal was no surprise to the Ghanaian fans who were numb with shock at this stage. Inamoto scored after he was put through by Nagatomo.

Though Japan should be commended for having strong mental character and a never say die attitude, the Ghanaian management have a long way to go in eradicating what seems to be voluntary/involuntary lapses of concentration in crucial moments of games when they should be focusing on killing teams off.

At the press conference  this writer quizzed the coach on a number of these concerns.

Firstly the reason for taking off Kingston, Secondly the fact that we have no adequate second goalkeeper and finally what he learned about the so called lapses of concentration and how he can prevent that from happening again.

All in all a good lesson for the black stars, in knowing that complacency is an unwanted friend that you must keep in check at all times.

Michael Dadzie