“We hope it’s not too serious, but it doesn’t look good, to be honest,” the coach said in a sobering update, visibly concerned as his team prepared to move quickly into their next assignment in Seoul.

Toulouse FC, Abu’s club side, issued a heartfelt message of support shortly after the match.

“The images are terrible, and we send you all our strength and thoughts, Francis!” the club posted on X. “The entire club will be by your side to help you overcome this ordeal and recover as quickly as possible.”

Remorse and apology

In a rare and extraordinary show of remorse and respect, Tanaka Ao walked to the Ghana bench after the incident to apologise, a gesture the Ghanaian gaffer praised.

“It’s not a normal thing,” he said. “I really appreciate that he came not only to our player but also to me as a coach to say sorry. We don’t take this behaviour for granted. It shows great education here in Japan.”

Still, the coach admitted the injury could sideline the midfielder for months, potentially even affecting his availability for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Ghana Football Association later confirmed that Abu was in stable condition at Toyota Memorial Hospital after receiving emergency treatment. Black Stars physician Dr Prince Pambo, Toulouse’s medical team and Japanese doctors have since aligned on the appropriate management plan.

Japan too sharp 

On the pitch, Ghana struggled against a slick Japanese side who delivered a performance of calm control and ruthless edge as they gear up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Takumi Minamino broke the deadlock after 15 minutes, before Ritsu Doan doubled the lead with a classy, curled finish in the 59th minute.

The Black Stars offered flashes of promise but never truly threatened to overturn the deficit, with Japan’s well-drilled backline repelling Ghana’s forward bursts.

There were still positives for the Black Stars. Goalkeeper Joseph Anang, making his first senior start after shining for St Patrick’s Athletic, produced several crucial saves that prevented the scoreline from ballooning. Debutant Derrick Kohn also showed promise down the left flank.

Otto Addo’s starting XI featured Jerome Opoku, Kojo Oppong Peprah and Jonas Adjetey across the back, with Caleb Yirenkyi and Kohn operating as wing-backs.

Sibo and Abu marshalled midfield, while Kamaldeen Sulemana, Antoine Semenyo and Brandon Thomas-Asante formed the attacking trident.

In the second half, the coach rolled on Christopher Bonsu Baah, Prince Owusu, Prince Kwabena Adu, Gideon Mensah, Alidu Seidu and Prince Osei Owusu as Ghana searched desperately for a way back. Sulemana came closest, forcing a fine save in the 71st minute.

Despite the defeat — and a long list of absentees including Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Alex Djiku, Inaki Williams and goalkeeper Benjamin Asare — Otto Addo insisted there were bright spots.

“There are a lot of learnings,” he said. “Our passing was very good, but we need to hold the ball better up front and be sharper with second balls. We also need to increase the intensity.”

The coach highlighted improvements needed in positioning, movement and pressing as Ghana turn their attention to Tuesday’s clash with South Korea in Seoul.

The encounter rekindles memories of their electrifying 3-2 battle at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a match Ghana won thanks to a Mohammed Kudus brace and a Mohammed Salisu opener.

If the Black Stars can summon that same spirit, Tuesday’s test may yet offer redemption and a much-needed lift after a difficult evening in Aichi.