Ghana’s Black Queens succumbed to a 4-0 defeat against 2011 Women’s World Cup winners Japan in a friendly at the Kanazawa Go Go Curry Stadium on Saturday.
With the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) getting postponed to 2025, Nora Hauptle decided to test the waters and see how far his team has come. But it wasn’t to be as the Black Queens experienced their biggest defeat under the tutelage of the Swiss tactician.
With Hauptle naming a stronger lineup boasting of midfield maestro Grace Asantewaa and the everlasting Evelyn Badu, and Doris Boaduwaa, all seemed set.
However, it was Japan who started brightly and created numerous chances with goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan keeping the Nadeshikos. diligently.
But on the half-hour mark, captain Portia Boakye was sent off after bringing down an opponent. This did not deter the West Africas who held on to keep the score level at half-time
Japan were, however, ruthless as they kept searching for the breakthrough. Seven minutes after the break, Tanaka Mina put the host ahead and that opened up the floodgates as Japan went on to add three more.
Chelsea youngster Maika Hamano added the second while Aoba Fujini and Riko Ueki, added the third and fourth respectively sealing a remarkable victory for the Asians.
Ghana barely had any moments to trouble Japan who went on to seal the win with a clean sheet.
For Nora Hauptle, this is the second consecutive time her team has conceded three or more goals and if they are to go to the WAFCON in Morocco come 2025, she would hope her girls can adapt and change the situation quickly.
