Ghana head coach Otto Addo has handed debut starts to goalkeeper Joseph Anang and defender Derrick Kohn in the Black Stars lineup for their 2025 Kirin Challenge Cup showdown with Japan.
The match takes place on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Toyota Stadium in Aichi; a key preparatory fixture for both teams ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Japan entered the game brimming with confidence after a thrilling 3-2 win over Brazil, extending their unbeaten run to eight matches.
Ghana also comes into this clash in excellent form, having won six of their last eight games, including the crucial 1-0 victory over Comoros in October that sealed their place at next year’s World Cup.
Ghana’s Starting XI vs Japan
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Joseph Anang
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Caleb Yirenkyi
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Jonas Adjetey
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Kwasi Sibo
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Brandon Thomas-Asante
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Antoine Semenyo
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Derrick Kohn
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Kojo Oppong Peprah
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Jerome Opoku
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Francis Abu
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Kamal-Deen Sulemana
Substitutes
Lawrence Ati Zigi, Alidu Seidu, Prince Owusu, Mohammed Salisu, Kelvin Nkrumah, Gideon Mensah, Benjamin Asare, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Ebenezer Annan, Prince Adu Kwabena, Prince Osei Owusu.
Historically, the head-to-head favours Japan, who have won five of the eight previous meetings. But Ghana’s recent resurgence, capped by a six-match unbeaten streak, sets up an intriguing contest.
The Black Stars’ last defeat dates back to May, when they fell 2-1 to rivals Nigeria in the 2025 Unity Cup at the Brentford Stadium in London.
