AFC U17 Asian Cup
The midfielder scored Japan's third in the 3-2 victory over China PR in Friday’s final, taking his tally to six and underlining his status as one of the tournament’s most lethal attacking threats.
Kitahara opened his account with a brace in Japan’s 3-1 win over Qatar in the group stage, striking twice in the second half to seal all three points for his side.
The Japanese midfielder then added another goal in a crucial 2-1 victory over China PR, finding the net in the 60th minute after Anthony Motosuna had given Japan the lead in the first half.
The Japanese midfielder then added another goal in a crucial 2-1 victory over China PR, finding the net in the 60th minute after Anthony Motosuna had given Japan the lead in the first half.
Kitahara continued his prolific form in the knockout stage, scoring twice in Japan’s emphatic 5-0 quarter-final victory over Tajikistan.
He also showed composure under pressure in the semi-final against Uzbekistan, converting his spot-kick in the dramatic 3-2 penalty shootout triumph after the match had ended 1-1 following extra time.
He capped his marvelous campaign by scoring the third in the thrilling final victory against China PR, signalling he is a player to watch in the coming years.
He also showed composure under pressure in the semi-final against Uzbekistan, converting his spot-kick in the dramatic 3-2 penalty shootout triumph after the match had ended 1-1 following extra time.
He capped his marvelous campaign by scoring the third in the thrilling final victory against China PR, signalling he is a player to watch in the coming years.
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