The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has reaffirmed its commitment to treating the upcoming international friendlies against Japan and South Korea with full seriousness, despite the absence of several key players.

Speaking to Sporty FM, GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum emphasized that the matches are a vital part of Ghana’s build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will be approached with intensity and purpose.

“The games against Japan and South Korea will be tough, and we’re not taking them lightly at all,” Asante Twum said. “We want to see players who are hungry and will fight for the Black Stars.”

Ghana will face Japan in the Kirin Cup on Friday, November 14, at the Toyota Stadium in Aichi, with kick-off scheduled for 10:20 a.m. local time. Four days later, the Black Stars will take on South Korea in Seoul on Tuesday, November 18.

All invited players are currently in camp and are expected to participate in the final training session today ahead of Friday’s clash. The friendlies offer a crucial opportunity for fringe players to stake their claim and for the technical team to assess squad depth ahead of next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.