Black Stars Face Japan Today

A squad of talent, many of them on the periphery of Black Stars first team selection, will line up in Yokohama as they face Asian force, Japan, in this morning�s international friendly. The core of the team, expected to be captained by rock-solid defender, John Boye, will be seeking to lay claim to some regular call-ups as they fill the places of regulars such as skipper Asamoah Gyan, midfielder Michael Essien, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Andre Dede Ayew, Wakaso Mubarak and Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu. Instead, the likes of Norway-based striker Mahatma Otoo, full backs Samuel Inkoom and Richard Kissi Boateng, midfielders Yussif Rahman Chibsah, Albert Adomah, Rashid Sumaila and Frank Acheampong will take up the mantle alongside regulars such as goalkeeper Fatau Dauda, defenders Jonathan Mensah, Daniel Opare and Harrison Afful, and striker Abdul Majeed Waris. Japan, who have already booked their place at the Brazil 2014 World Cup but failed to make an impression in terms of results at this year�s FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil, will likely feature Manchester United�s skillful midfielder Shinji Kagawa in a strong assembly. The 70,000-capacity Yokohama International Stadium, one of the venues for the 2002 World Cup when Japan co-hosted with South Korea, is expected to be full for this morning�s match.