Bambolim, Sept 25:
Seko Ayumu’s first half strike helped Japan score a hard fought 1-0 win over United Arab Emirates and storm into the semi-finals of the AFC U-16 Championships here today.
It was an even contest as both the teams went into the attack mode from the start.
Japan, who had an easy passage into the quarterfinals, found the going tough until they scored the only goal of the match in the 31st minute through Seko Ayumu.
The win took Japan to the semi-finals and also a passage to next year’s U-17 world Cup to be held in India.
Japan will now meet the winners of tomorrow’s match between Iraq and Uzbekistan on September 29.
Iran, the first team to qualify for the semi-finals, will clash with the winners of tomorrow’s match between Oman and DPR Korea in the second semi-finals on the same day. (PTI)