Fujita: Japan ready for tough final

Thu, 02 May, 2024

Fujita: Japan ready for tough final

Doha: Having suffered defeat in both their previous encounters with Uzbekistan in the AFC U23 Asian Cup™, Japan captain Joel Chima Fujita is hoping that it will be third time lucky for them on Friday.

Uzbekistan ran out 4-0 winners in the quarter-finals in 2018 and recorded a 2-0 semi-final triumph in 2022, with both teams to reprise rivalries in the Qatar 2024 final where victory for either side will make them the first two-time champions. 

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Know The Coach - Go Oiwa (Japan)

Wed, 01 May, 2024

Know The Coach - Go Oiwa (Japan)

Doha: Go Oiwa has achieved much success since retiring as a player in 2010 and moving into coaching, with the Japanese tactician aiming to add the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ title to his list of achievements.

Having suffered a premature exit two years ago, Oiwa will lead his Young Samurai Blue squad to face Uzbekistan in a mouth-watering AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ final at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Friday.
 
Oiwa’s side were shown the door by Uzbekistan in the semi-finals of the 2022 edition but Doha has fond memories for the Japanese as this was where they won their only AFc U23 Asian Cup title in 2016.

Know The Coach - Timur Kapadze (Uzbekistan)

Wed, 01 May, 2024

Know The Coach - Timur Kapadze (Uzbekistan)

Doha: It’s not often that football presents a second chance but for Timur Kapadze, the opportunity has arisen for him to finally lay his hand on the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ trophy.

Two years ago, the 42-year-old led Uzbekistan to the final on home soil, only to be denied the title by Saudi Arabia and Kapadze will seek to make amends when his side face Japan in Friday’s AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ final at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. 
 
The former midfielder has already etched his name in the annals of Uzbekistan history after guiding them to Olympics qualification but Kapadze is determined to emulate Ravshan Khaydarov, who led the Central Asian side to the AFC U23 Asian Cup title in 2018.

Road to Final - Japan

Tue, 30 Apr, 2024

Road to Final - Japan

Doha: Japan will face Uzbekistan in the final of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ final aiming to add to the title they won in Doha in 2016.

Go Oiwa's side endured a challenging route to the final, having been drawn in a tough Group B.
 
The-AFC.com retraces the East Asian's side journey to Friday's decider. 

Road to Final - Uzbekistan

Tue, 30 Apr, 2024

Road to Final - Uzbekistan

Doha: Uzbekistan will be appearing in their third AFC U23 Asian Cup™ final in four editions when they play Japan in the Qatar 2024 decider on Friday.

Timur Kapadze's side have been in scintillating form throughout the tournament as they look to become the first side to lift the trophy twice.
 
The-AFC.com takes a look at Uzbekistan's impressive run to the final.