Coach of the Black Stars, Otto Addo, has confessed that his team were no match for Japan in their opening game of the Kirin Cup tournament.
The Blue Samurai defeated the Black Stars 4-1 on Friday morning at the National Stadium in Tokyo.
The Borussia Dortmund talent trainee took away some positives from the game despite the loss.
“A team that merits victory. In the post-game interview, he admitted that Japan was stronger.
We also took advantage of an opportunity and scored a tying goal at the end of the first half. It was sad that we scored a second goal so close to the end, though. We kept fighting even in the second half. The momentum was lost, though, after a third goal was scored. Japan had a terrific combination and had a very quick team.
“If we press and steal the ball, we can score. I thought. I think I was able to prove it after 20 minutes in the first half. Still, we couldn’t cover the back space. We had a pocket stabbed. The final phase of one-on-one. I couldn’t stop the other party.
“The whole team was good in Japan. It’s hard to name one person. It was a very good team. Crosses were sent to Japan one after another in the box and I couldn’t stop the last part.”
Yamane Miki scored the first goal for Japan after a complex passing play by the Asians at the halfway point of the match.
Jordan Ayew of Crystal Palace tied the score just before halftime with a shot from the edge of the box, but a brief lack in focus allowed Japan to retake the lead just before the break.
Nitoma Kaoru’s cross managed to get by Lawrence Ati-Zigi and passed to everyone else.
Takefusa Kubo of Real Mallorca converted on a cross after the break to give Japan a two-goal advantage before Daizen Maeda put Japan in front with eight minutes remaining.
SOURCE: Ghanasoccernet.com
