Council staff and volunteers have been working tirelessly to make sure the ground is in prime condition for the Samurai Blue, who will train at the ground from January 3 to 8 (prior to their opening clash with Palestine at Newcastle on January 12).

Japan will take on New Zealand side Auckland City – who reached the semi-finals of this year's FIFA Club World Cup – in a friendly match at Cessnock Sportsground on Sunday, January 4.

A proportion of ticket sales from the match will go towards mental health support for young people in the Cessnock local government area.

AFC Asian Cup Local Organising Committee CEO Michael Brown visited Cessnock Sportsground on Thursday and was impressed with the ground’s condition.

Mr. Brown praised council’s efforts in securing the right to host the reigning Asian Cup champions.

“This is wonderful for Cessnock and the Hunter Region,” he said.

“Cessnock will put on a fabulous show; it will be a fantastic environment.”

Mr. Brown said the Japanese team will have by far the biggest media contingent of any of the 16 teams competing in the tournament – which should result in huge exposure for Cessnock and the Hunter Region.

“It will be a defining moment for Cessnock; it will be on the world stage,” he said.

Tickets to the friendly match are $10 for general admission and $20 for grandstand seating, and are available at www.ticketmaster.com.au or at the Hunter Valley Visitor Centre on Wine Country Drive. The game will kick off at 6pm.