Hasegawa and Shimizu help Japan to fine win over Ghana

Yui Hasegawa and Risa Shimizu both started for Japan in their 4-0 friendly win over Ghana at Kanazawa Stadium.

Fresh from joining Manchester City from West Ham United on a three-year deal, the latter began at right-back and was joined by her new clubmate who operated in midfield.

After even opening exchanges, Nadeshiko’s task was made somewhat easier when Ghana’s Portia Boakye was shown a straight red card in the 23rd minute.

However, it took the hosts until the second half to break the deadlock when Mina Tanaka fizzing strike found the bottom corner.

That sparked fresh life into Japan who doubled their advantage in the 65th minute thanks to Maika Hamano who slammed the ball into the roof of the net from close range after latching onto Tanaka’s nod into the six-yard box.

As Futoshi Ikeda opted to shuffle his pack in order to get minutes into his squad’s legs, Shimizu was replaced by Kiko Seike with just over 20 minutes remaining.

Japan continued to press in the closing stages and extended their advantage once more when Aoba Fujino unleashed a sublime free-kick into the top corner from range.

Then, with 10 minutes remaining, Fujino turned provider when her inviting cross from a set-piece was headed home by Riko Ueki.

The success continues Japan’s fine momentum heading into the 2024 Olympic games in Paris where they will face Spain, Nigeria and Brazil in Group C.