Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu has expressed hope that Francis Abu will make a swift and full recovery after the Ghana midfielder suffered a serious ankle injury in Friday’s Kirin Challenge Cup match.
Abu, who features for French side Toulouse, was attempting to clear his lines early in the second half when he collided with Tanaka Ao, leaving him with a broken ankle. He was stretchered off and replaced by Alidu Seidu as medics rushed to attend to him.
In his post-match remarks, Moriyasu spoke warmly about the injured player, saying, “I hope that Francis will be able to play football again as soon as possible.
“In the end, it was a foul, but it was not something we did intentionally to injure him. In fact, I think we deserve to be called for the foul. Aoi is not at fault,” he added.
Ghana went on to lose the contest 2–0 to the hosts.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) later confirmed that Abu is stable after receiving emergency treatment at a local hospital.
The Black Stars now shift their focus to Tuesday’s final friendly of the November window when they face South Korea in Seoul at 10:00 a.m.
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