Ghana has begun life under Claude Le Roy on a winning note lifting the 2006 Kirin Challenge Cup after the Black Stars beat host, Japan 1-0.

The Black Stars got the match winner in the second half through substitute, Haminu Dramani to silence the partisan crowd clad in a sea of blue who had filled the Nissan stadium in Yokohama.

Haminu who had replaced Sulley Muntari crashed home at the near post a pullout from the right by another substitute Razak Pimpong to score in the 72 minute.

The goal was Haminu Dramani’s second international goal for the senior national side, the Black Stars after scoring his major goal at the World Cup against the United States.

The host could have gone ahead in the third minute after a shot across the face of the Ghanaian goal was cleared to corner by Hans Adu Sarpei after goalkeeper, Richard Kingson had been beaten.

Ghana quickly turned the heat on their opponents Asamoah Gyan saw his powerful strike fly above the crossbar.

The Japanese came close again in the 16th minute but failed to find the back of the net.

Then in the 24th minute, Asamoah Gyan poorly hit the ball into the arms of goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi after he had been put through by Junior Agogo.

Two minutes later, Junior Agogo’s strike was blocked by a Japanese defender.

Ghana afterwards were rarely troubled and had several chances to take the lead in the first half through Asamoah Gyan, Stephen Appiah, Muntari and Essien.

The first half ended goalless.