Japan extends unprecedented record with former Vietnam national team coach

Japan clinches its 7th Asian U20 women's title with coach Akira Ijiri, former coach of Vietnam's U20 women's team.

On April 18th at Thammasat Stadium, Japan's U20 women's team secured a 1-0 victory over North Korea's U20 women's team in the final, thereby claiming the 2026 Asian U20 Women's Championship. The sole goal of the match was scored by Momoka Sano, enabling the team from the land of the rising sun to crown itself champion for the seventh time in this tournament.

Entering the match, North Korea's U20 women's team started cautiously before gradually increasing pressure. From mid-first half, this side created several dangerous opportunities, notably shots from So Ryu Gyong, Kang Ryu Mi, and Choe Rim Jong. However, the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Uruha Iwasaki helped Japan's U20 women's team hold firm, preserving the clean sheet until halftime.

In the second half, the match situation saw little change as North Korea's U20 women's team continued to control the ball and organize attacks. Nevertheless, the turning point arrived in the 56th minute when, from a free-kick situation, Noa Fukushima delivered a precise lofted ball for Momoka Sano to dash in and head home, opening the scoring for Japan's U20 women's team.

After conceding, North Korea's U20 women's team pushed forward seeking an equalizer and exerted continuous pressure on the opponent's goal. Several chances were created, including a dangerous shot by Kang Ryu Mi in the 71st minute and a long-range strike by Choe Yon A that hit the crossbar in the 76th minute. However, a disciplined defensive line and the stable form of goalkeeper Iwasaki enabled Japan's U20 women's team to withstand the onslaught.

In the final minutes, North Korea's U20 women's team launched a full-force assault but could not penetrate the opponent's defense. Ultimately, Japan's U20 women's team secured a 1-0 victory, thereby convincingly claiming the championship title.

This victory once again demonstrates the composure, efficiency, and disciplined style of Japan's U20 women's team, as they effectively capitalized on opportunities to decide the match against a formidable opponent.

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