Black Stars coach Otto Addo has lauded Japanese midfielder Tanaka Ao for displaying exemplary sportsmanship after his challenge left Ghana’s Francis Abu with a serious injury in Friday’s Kirin Challenge Cup defeat to Japan.
Tanaka, visibly concerned after the incident, walked over to the Ghana bench to personally apologise ; a gesture Addo described as rare and deeply appreciated.
“It means a lot that he came to the bench to say sorry,” Addo said. “Japanese people are very polite. We really appreciate that. We don’t take this kind of behaviour for granted.”
Addo acknowledged that injuries are part of football but admitted Abu’s situation “didn’t look good” and believes the apology reflected “great education and respect” from the Japanese player.
The Black Stars lost 2-0 in Toyota, with the injury to Abu overshadowing the result.
