On Saturday 27 July (local time), the U-23 Japan National Team played their second group stage match of the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad (Paris 2024) against the U-23 Mali National Team at Stade de Bordeaux in Bordeaux, France.

Following their 5-0 win over Paraguay, Japan opted to stick with a 4-3-3 formation, but made three changes. KOKUBO Leo Brian (Sint-Truidense VV) continued to start in goal, while NISHIO Ryuya (Cerezo Osaka) made his first start and joined SEKINE Hiroki (Kashiwa Reysol), TAKAI Kota (Kawasaki Frontale) and OHATA Ayumu (Urawa Red Diamonds) in the back four. ARAKI Ryotaro (FC Tokyo) replaces MITO Shunsuke (Sparta Rotterdam) in midfield with FUJITA Joel Chima (Sint-Truidense VV) and YAMAMOTO Rihito (Sint-Truidense VV), while YAMADA Fuki (Tokyo Verdy) starts on the right wing with HOSOYA Mao (Kashiwa Reysol) in the middle and SAITO Koki (Lommel SK) on the left.

The match began with Mali applying pressure to force Japan to retreat. The first close opportunity was created in the 11th minute, when Mali's Thiemoko DIARRA broke into the box before striking a shot. However, Kokubo made a superb save to prevent the goal and maintain the clean sheet. Buoyed by their goalkeeper's fine save, Japan gradually increased their tempo and began to create chances, including three consecutive corner kicks after the 20th minute. Despite this, the scoreless draw at half-time reflected the efforts of both teams in maintaining a robust defensive stance.

In the second half, Japan continued to attack down the left side, with Hosoya, Saito, Araki, and Ohata working in tandem to create opportunities. However, Japan's inability to capitalise on these openings allowed Mali to gain ground after the 50th minute, exploiting gaps in the Japanese defence to pose a threat to the goal.

There were a couple of promising opportunities for Diarra, with Cheickna DOUMBIA providing the through ball in the 56th minute and Fode DOUCOURE providing the final pass in the 63rd minute. However, the Japanese defence demonstrated great resilience in preventing the ball from reaching the back of the net. Doumbia also attempted a header from close range in the 72nd minute, but his effort was thwarted by the goal post.

Japan were pinned back for much of the second half, but their golden moment came in the 82nd minute. The play began in defence as they won possession in their own half and launched a counterattack. Hosoya worked his way down the right flank before whipping a cross into the box to setup a shot for SATO Kein (SV Werder Bremen). Although his effort was parried by the goalkeeper, Yamamoto was on hand to make a sliding effort to push the ball into the net.

With their backs against the wall, Mali made a late push for an equaliser, and their intense attack paid off in the second minute of additional time when Moussa DIAKITE's shot struck the hand of KAWASAKI Sota (Kyoto Sanga FC) inside the box, giving Mali a penalty kick. However, Doumbia's spot-kick went wide and, as time ran out, Japan won 1-0 to secure their second straight win and a place in the quarter-finals with one game remaining in the group stage.

Games of the XXXIII Olympiad/XVII Paralympic Games (Paris 2024)

Football Tournament: Thu. 25 July - Sat. 7 September 2024
Tournament information