Head coach of the Black Stars, James Akwesi Appiah has urged World Cup-bound Japan to fix their defensive woes ahead of the tournament in Russia.

A depleted Black Stars defeated the Asian giants 2-0 in their international friendly played in Yokohama on Wednesday.

First half goals from interim captain Thomas Partey and in-form UD Levante forward Emmanuel Boateng helped the Black Stars finished off the Blue Sumarai at the Nissan Stadium.

However, Coach Appiah believes the test will go a long way to help their opponents in their preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Russia.

“They moved very well up front but I think there were some lapses with their defending. I think it’s a very good exercise for Japan in the sense that I don’t believe in winning games before the World Cup."

“It’s important that you lose sometimes because you learn from your mistakes. You do it now and then the coach can learn from it and perform very well at the World Cup,” he added.

Ghana will face Iceland on the 7th of June in another international friendly.

By Daraja Mutari/Ghanaguardian.com