Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has explained the tactical reasoning behind his decision to swap Antoine Semenyo and Brandon Thomas-Asante during the second half of Ghana’s defeat to Japan in the Kirin Challenge Cup.
Semenyo started the game as Ghana’s central forward, but Addo said the Bournemouth striker kept dropping too deep into midfield, making it easier for the Japanese defence ; particularly Shogo Taniguchi to track him tightly.
“Antoine came too low, and that made it easy for Taniguchi to follow him,” Addo said. “Brandon made more deep runs, so I switched them. We needed more movements in behind to stress the defenders.”
Thomas-Asante, who had been operating from the right flank, moved centrally after the change, offering more vertical pressure and forcing Japan’s backline to readjust.
Addo said the adjustment brought a slight improvement to Ghana’s attacking shape, creating better spacing and a few half-chances, although it wasn’t enough to change the final outcome.
Ghana continue their Asian tour with a clash against South Korea next as preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensify.
