Ghanaian international Abu Francis experienced a devastating injury during an international friendly match against Japan on Friday, casting a shadow over his team's World Cup preparations.
A Freak Incident on the Pitch
The traumatic event occurred midway through the second half at the Toyota Stadium in Nagoya. Francis, 24, who was earning his seventh cap for Ghana, attempted to block a shot from Japan and Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka. In a horrific twist of fate, Tanaka's follow-through missed the ball and connected directly with Francis's ankle, causing the joint to twist violently out of place.
Eyewitnesses reported that the Toulouse FC player's agonised screams echoed around the stadium as he writhed on the turf. Players from both teams were visibly shaken by the incident, with Tanaka himself urgently calling for a stretcher to be brought onto the pitch.
Immediate Aftermath and Medical Response
Francis, who was making his first appearance for the Black Stars in six months, was subsequently carried off the field on a stretcher and replaced by Alidu Seidu. He received emergency treatment at the stadium before being transported to Toyota Memorial Hospital for further care.
Despite the injury being a complete accident, Ao Tanaka was substituted in the 68th minute and immediately went to the Ghanaian bench to offer his apologies for the unfortunate collision.
Ghana manager Otto Addo expressed deep concern after the match, which Japan went on to win 2-0 with goals from Takumi Minamino and Ritsu Doan. "First of all, I'm very worried," Addo stated. "We had a very serious injury. These things happen in football, but this... it was really, really bad. I'm just praying it's not as serious as it looks."
Official Statements and Support
The Ghana Football Association later released an official statement confirming that Francis is in stable condition. The statement detailed that the Black Stars medical team, led by Dr. Prince Pambo—who also serves as team doctor for FC Toulouse—has consulted extensively with hospital doctors to establish a suitable treatment plan.
Francis's club, Toulouse FC, posted a heartfelt message on social media, saying: "The images are terrible and we're sending all our thoughts and strength to you Francis! The whole club will be by your side to overcome this ordeal. We will be by your side to help you recover as quickly as possible."
The Ghana FA has promised to provide further updates on the player's surgery and recovery plan in the coming hours as the football community rallies around the injured midfielder.
