Black Stars & Toulouse Midfielder Abu Francis appeared to have suffered a serious fracture during Ghana’s international friendly against Japan on Friday at the Toyota Stadium in the first of two friendlies of the 2025 Kirin Cup.
The injury occurred around his ankle as he attempted to block a shot roughly ten minutes into the second half.
The 24-year-old was stretchered off, with several teammates visibly shaken by the disturbing angle of the injury.
Francis, who started the match, was replaced in the 56th minute by Alidu Seidu.
He earned a call-up for the Japan and South Korea friendlies after missing Ghana’s September and October World Cup qualifiers.
The Right to Dream Academy graduate joined Ligue 1 side Toulouse this summer from Belgian outfit Cercle Brugge.
Given the nature of the incident, Francis is expected to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The Samurai Blue of Japan won the match 2-0, with goals from Takumi Minamino and Ritsu Doan.
🏁 Full-Time at the Toyota Stadium in Japan. A good test for the #BlackStars to assess and build on. 👊🏾
🇯🇵 Japan 2️⃣-0️⃣ Ghana 🇬🇭#KirinCup pic.twitter.com/N3T1F5wJTM
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) November 14, 2025
The Black Stars continue their Asian tour with a clash against South Korea on Tuesday, November 18, 2025
