Shattering the hopes of a powerful Chinese side, Japan has clinched the AFC U-17 Asian Cup football title for the fifth time. In a thrilling final held last night, Japan defeated China by a 3-2 margin. Japan had previously defeated China 2-1 in the group league stage as well.
Maintaining their dominance right from the start, Japan took the lead in the 31st minute with a goal from Satomi. In the 42nd minute, Saito doubled the lead. Just before the half-time whistle, Kitahara scored the third goal. Even after falling behind by 3 goals, China did not back down. Coming out with a new strategy after the half-time break, China reduced the margin in the 48th minute with a goal from Wang Jianguo. In the 79th minute, Zhao Chuanwei brought the scoreline to 3-2, making the match highly intense. In the final ten minutes, China repeatedly attacked, keeping the Japanese defenders busy, but they were ultimately denied an equalizer.
From this tournament, Japan and China, along with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Australia, Vietnam, and South Korea, have qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup to be held in Qatar later this year.
China’s hopes shattered in Under-17 Asian Cup Japan Champion for the Fifth Time
