Japan breezes past Thailand in 2025 AFC U20 Asian Cup

Japan U20 trounce Thailand in Asian U20 Championship

By Emmanuel Akyereko

Japan brushed aside Thailand 3-0 in the opening fixture of the 2025 AFC U20 Asian Cup on Friday evening at the Shenzhen Youth Football Training Base in China.

The Young Samurais have taken a commanding lead in the Group D fixture which has rivals Korea, Syria and Thailand.

Hisatsugu Ishii, who plays for Shonan Bellmare, registered the game’s opening goal on the 14th minute before defender Rion Ichihara converted a spot kick in the 33rd minute to end the first stanza in favour of the Japanese side.

Okayama midfielder Ryunosuke Sato sealed the win with a strike 21 minutes from time.