Ghana Handed Reality Check After Heavy Defeat in Kirin Cup Opener Against Japan

• The Black Stars of Ghana have been beaten in their opening game of the Kirin Cup tournament against Japan
• The defeat is coach Otto Addo's first since taking over as Black Stars gaffer following the sacking of Milovan Rajevac
• The Black Stars will face the loser of the game between Tunisia and Chile in their next game at the tournament

Ghana were humiliated in their opening game at the Kirin Cup after hosts Japan thumped the Black Stars at the Tokyo National Stadium.

The Black Stars suffered a 4-1 defeat to Japan following an abysmal display from a depleted Ghana side.

Coach Otto Addo was forced to change his team following ailment and injuries to most of his starters.

The Asian giants got off to a great start with Yamane Miki netting the opener on the half hour mark following an intricate passing move by Japan.

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Fresh from signing a new Crystal Palace contract, Jordan Ayew levelled a minute before halftime after firing right at the edge of the box.

However, a momentary lapse in concentration saw Japan take the lead again before halftime through Nitoma Kaoru whose cross evaded everyone to beat goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi. 

In the second half, Real Mallorca star Takefusa Kubo connected from a cross to give Japan a two goal lead before Daizen Maeda sealed victory with eight minutes left. 

The defeat marks Otto Addo's first loss since taking charge of the Black Stars.

The Black Stars will face the loser of the game between Chile and Tunisia in their next match.

Athletic Bilbao star Inaki William set to switch nationality and play for Ghana

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Athletic Bilbao forward Iñaki Williams could soon become a player of the Ghana national team, according to General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association, Prosper Harrison Addo.

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The GFA scribe revealed that the process of switching nationalities has already begun but Williams can only play when FIFA clears him.

In an interview with Kessben FM, Prosper Harrison Addo explained other players including Eddie Nketiah, Tariq Lamptey and Callum Hudson-Odoi have all started the process.