Fuki Yamada’s late goal secures Japan’s AFC U-23 Asian Cup title

Qatar. Japan became champions of the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup after beating Uzbekistan 1-0 in the final at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Friday evening.

Japan’s only goal was scored by Fuki Yamada in the 90+1st minute. Yamada found the net from outside the penalty area with his left foot.

Uzbekistan came close to the equalizer six minutes later after a penalty. However, Umarali Rakhmonaliev’s shot, aimed at the right side of the Japanese goal, was saved by goalkeeper Leo Kokubo.

This win marks Japan’s repeat success following their 2016 win, while Uzbekistan failed to secure their second title after their 2018 victory.

The Uzbekistan U-23 national team was without three key players, Abdukodir Khusanov, Hojimat Erkinov and Abbosbek Fayzullaev.

The three players, who played their club football abroad, had returned to their respective clubs. Khusanov returned to French club RC Lens, Erkinov to UAE club Al-Wahda FC and Fayzullaev to Russian club CSKA Moscow.

Both finalists, as well as third-placed Iraq, have also qualified for the men’s football tournament at the Paris Olympics. Meanwhile, fourth-placed Indonesia still has a chance to qualify for its first Olympics since 1956 through a play-off against Guinea next Thursday.

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