Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Shah Alam: Japan began their AFC U-23 Championship 2016 qualifying campaign with a bang as they whipped Macau 7-0 at the Shah Alam Stadium, Malaysia, on Friday.
The Japanese were ahead 4-0 at the break before they added three more goals after the interval, including two in stoppage time, in the Group I opener.
Sanfrecce Hiroshima man Gakuto Notsuda registered a double (31”, 90+2”) with skipper Wataru Endo (22”), Suzuki Musashi (66”), Yuta Toyokawa (26”) and substitute Takumi Minamino (90+3”) also getting on the score sheet for Makoto Teguramori’s side.
Buoyed by their big opening success, Japan will look for a second consecutive win when they play Vietnam while Macau will seek their first victory as they face hosts Malaysia on Sunday.
Ten group winners and five best second-placed teams from all groups will join hosts Qatar at the AFC U-23 Championship 2016, with January’s 16-team competition also serving as Asia’s qualifying tournament for the Olympic Games in Rio.
Photo: asiana.my