GHANA midfielder Abu Francis suffered a horrifying leg injury during their friendly defeat to Japan on Friday.
The 24-year-old had gone into a challenge with Leeds United star Ao Tanaka as he tried to block his shot.
WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
And Francis was dealt a sickening blow as he made contact with Tanaka, before watching his leg twist backwards.
He screamed in agony and before falling to the turf in serious pain in an incident that shocked both teams.
Francis, who plays club football for Toulouse, was given immediate medical attention before being stretchered off and taken to hospital.
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The shocking blow has been labelled by fans as “one of the most horrific injuries in world football history.”
A Ghana statement read: “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.
“Abu was taken to Toyota Memorial Hospital after receiving emergency treatment at the stadium.
“The Black Stars medical team, led by Dr. Prince Pambo, the team doctor of FC Toulouse, and the doctors at Toyota Memorial Hospital have consulted extensively and agreed on a suitable treatment plan for the player.
“The Ghana Football Association wishes to thank Ghanaians for their support and outpouring of solidarity during this unfortunate incident.
“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.”
After a lengthy delay, Francis was subbed off in the 68th minute of the game and replaced by Alidu Seidu.
Tanaka went over to the Ghana bench to apologise for his involvement in the sickening incident, despite it being accidental.
It was Francis’ first appearance for Ghana in six months, having picked up only seven caps so far.
Ghana had already qualified for the 2026 World Cup and were continuing their preparations, but now Francis looks like he will agonisingly miss out on the tournament.
Ghana boss Otto Addo said after the game: ‘First of all, I’m very worried. 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.”
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu extended his well-wishes to the player and said he hoped for a swift recovery.
He said: “I hope that Francis will be able to play football again as soon as possible.
“In the end, it was a foul, but it was not something we did intentionally to injure him. In fact, I think we deserve to be called for the foul. Aoi is not at fault.”
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Toulouse also paid tribute to their player as they wrote: “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 (for the) Black Stars.”
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