Ko Itakura’s first half goal sealed victory for Japan, placing them level with DPR Korea at the top of the standings.
Japan dominated possession in the opening minutes and in their first real attempt, Shion Inoue picked up a loose ball in the box but struck the bar in the fifth minute at the Jiangyin Stadium.
Palestine, however, held formation tightly and looked to play on the counter, but Ko found an opening and was left unguarded after dribbling outside the box to hit home in the 20th minute.
Whenever in possession, Ayman Sandouqa’s charges tried to make the best of every run, but the defending champions were apt in defensive situations.
In the second half, the young Samurai Blue continued to play patiently, while Palestine began to pile on the pressure.
Tsukasa Morishima could have doubled their lead in the 76th minute after surging down the left flank and into the box, but his shot to the bottom right missed the mark.
Palestine played well, displaying impressive individual skill but with Hajime Moriyasu’s side keeping a disciplined backline, Palestine couldn’t find a way through..
On Saturday’s Matchday Two, Japan will meet Thailand and Palestine will play DPR Korea.
Hajime Moriyasu: Japan head coach
“It was good that our defenders were good at offence as well, with Ko Itakura scoring the only goal of the match. We made some good chances in the first half but didn’t score, and in the second half, Palestine didn’t change their formation but increased their intensity. After playing one match, I’m sure our players’ condition will be better. I think in the first half we could have created more chances. I want to better the quality of making chances, and when our opponents come at us with intensity, I hope that we can adapt better."
Ayman Sandouqa: Palestine head coach
“We would like to congratulate Japan, I think they played well and so did we, but I also believe we deserved a point. I am proud of my squad, and this is not the end. With two more games, there’s still a lot to come. It took us awhile to get used to the game, in the second half we understood them better. We adapted and played better.”