Ghana midfielder Abu Francis suffered a devastating injury during a friendly against Japan on Friday, leaving players, coaches and fans visibly shaken as the 24-year-old was stretchered from the pitch in Nagoya.
Francis, earning his seventh cap for the Black Stars and his first appearance in six months, had been enjoying a confident display as Otto Addo’s side continued their build-up to next summer’s World Cup.
But the match was thrown into distress midway through the second half when the Toulouse midfielder moved to block a strike from Leeds United’s Ao Tanaka.
Instead of making clean contact with the ball, Tanaka’s follow-through crashed into Francis’ ankle, wrenching his foot into a horrifying position.
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The midfielder immediately collapsed, screaming in agony, with his twisted foot prompting shocked reactions from players on both sides.
Reports from inside the Toyota Stadium suggested the distressing sound of his cries echoed around the ground as teammates frantically called for help.
Tanaka, clearly stunned, waved urgently for medics and signalled for a stretcher.
Francis received treatment on the field before being carefully lifted away, replaced moments later by Alidu Seidu.
WARNING: The video below contains footage some viewers might find distressing. Please view with caution.
My God!!!
— Kay💧 (@Kaypoisson1) November 14, 2025
Francis Abu 🥺🥺 damn pic.twitter.com/zgYrcltMUf
Tanaka himself was withdrawn in the 68th minute and went straight to the Ghana bench to apologise, despite the collision being an unfortunate accident rather than reckless play.
Japan went on to win the match 2-0 thanks to goals from former Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino and Ritsu Doan, but the result was overshadowed by the gruesome injury and the emotional reaction that followed.
After the final whistle, Ghana head coach Otto Addo admitted the incident left him deeply worried.
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Abu Francis was left in agony after the incident in Ghana's match with Japan
|GETTY
“First of all, I’m very worried,” he said.
“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.”
The Ghana Football Association later issued a reassuring update, confirming Francis was stable following assessments at Toyota Memorial Hospital.
“The Ghana Football Association wishes to inform the public that Abu Francis is in stable condition following his injury in Friday’s Kirin Challenge Cup match against Japan,” the statement read.
“Abu was taken to Toyota Memorial Hospital after receiving emergency treatment at the stadium.”
The GFA added that medical staff from both teams, including Dr Prince Pambo — team doctor of FC Toulouse — had devised an agreed treatment plan for the player.
They stated: “The Association will update the public on the next steps for the player’s surgery and recovery plan in the coming hours. The Ghana Football Association wishes Francis Abu a speedy recovery.”
Toulouse, who signed Francis in the summer from Cercle Brugge, also expressed their support, posting a heartfelt message on Instagram.
“The images are terrible and we're sending all our thoughts and strength to you Francis!" the club wrote.
"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 (for the) Black Stars.”
The severity of the injury means Francis is now expected to face a long period of rehabilitation, though supporters will hope the midfielder - regarded as a rising talent in Ghana’s midfield - can return in time to continue his World Cup dream.