Oiwa hails Japan’s collective effort in AFC U23 title win
The Peninsula
Doha: Japan coach Go Oiwa credited his team s collective effort for their AFC U23 Asian Cup title victory over Uzbekistan in the Doha 2024 final on Fr...
Doha: Japan coach Go Oiwa credited his team’s collective effort for their AFC U23 Asian Cup title victory over Uzbekistan in the Doha 2024 final on Friday.
At the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Japan edged out Uzbekistan 1-0 in a nail-biting encounter.
The lone goal of the match came from substitute Fuki Yamada, who capitalized on an opportunity in the first minute of injury time with a precise finish into the bottom corner. Yamada’s strike proved to be the difference-maker, clinching Japan’s second AFC U23 Asian Cup title, following their previous triumph in 2016.
“This success all comes from the support of everyone, not only the staff and the players but everyone, the fans also,” said Oiwa.
Oiwa said he had faith Leo Kokubo would save Umarali Rakhmonaliev’s injury time penalty before the Japan goalkeeper made the vital intervention that ensured his team reclaimed the title.