Japan delivered a masterclass on the continental stage as they swept aside China PR 4-0 to successfully defend their crown in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 final at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium on Saturday.
A clinical brace from Kosei Ogura, complemented by goals from Yuto Ozeki and Ryunosuke Sato, saw Japan write history by becoming the first nation to defend the AFC U23 Asian Cup title, while also lifting the coveted trophy for a record third time.
It was a bitter end for China PR, who had enjoyed a remarkable run to the final, but ultimately found themselves outclassed by a Japanese side operating at a different level on the night.
China PR head coach Antonio Puche rang in four changes to his starting XI, with semi-final hero Xiang Yuwang retaining his place, while Japan skipper Go Oiwa recalled Ozeki, Yumeki Yokoyama, Shusuke Furuya and Brian Nwadik as the holders went full throttle from the opening whistle.
Following a vibrant closing ceremony, Japan wasted no time asserting their authority, with Nwadik forcing goalkeeper Li Hao into an early save from close range. Although China PR enjoyed spells of possession, their best early opportunity went begging when Xu Bin’s cross found Xiang, whose mistimed header was comfortably gathered by Rui Araki.
Japan’s pressure told in the 12th minute when Ozeki struck decisively from Furuya’s cutback, with a deflection off Peng Xiao looping the ball beyond Li Hao — the first goal conceded by the China PR custodian in the tournament.
The champions doubled their advantage eight minutes later after China PR failed to clear Sato’s dangerous cross, allowing Ogura to pounce and fire into the bottom corner.
Japan emerged even sharper after the restart and effectively put the contest beyond doubt when Sato coolly converted from the penalty spot following Liu Haofan’s handball, taking his tournament tally to four goals.
To their credit, China PR continued to fight, with Bao Shengxin and Hu Hetao testing Japan’s resolve, while Xiang saw a goal ruled out for offside and Wang Yudong fired over from a promising position.
Any lingering hopes were extinguished in the 76th minute when Ogura struck again, capitalising on a loose clearance after Yokoyama’s cross to seal a commanding victory and bring the final to an emphatic conclusion.
The triumph cements Japan’s status as the dominant force in Asian youth football, while China PR will take pride in a campaign that, despite ending in disappointment, signalled a bright future on the continental stage.
Credit Photo : AFC
