The two Japanese youngsters took part in the first ever game of the AFC Women’s Club Championship, a competition which is aiming to be the equivalent of the Champions League in Asia.
The fairytale story continues for Oto Kanno and Shino Matsuda since their participation to the Sud Ladies Cup 2019.
After clinching the Japanese league title with Nippon TV Beleza and being crowned Asian champions U19 with their national team, the two young Japanese came off the bench during the historical fixture between Nippon TV Beleza and Jiangsu Suning (1-1) held on this Tuesday at the Yongin Citizens Sports Park (South Korea).
This encounter between the Japan champions and China champions is the first ever game of the AFC Women’s Club Championship. A competition aiming to be the equivalent of the Champions League or the Copa Lbertadores in Asia.
In order to grow women's football in the continent, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), like both UEFA and CONMEBOL, has launched its elite club competition. Four teams take part in this pilot edition, co-organized with FIFA : the champions of Japon (Nippon TV Beleza), China (Jiangsu Suning), South Korea (Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels) and Australia (Melbourne Victory).
The four teams will compete in a round-robin format over three match days during this week. The group winners will be crowned champions of Asia. A great and symbolic honor given the context.
Amayes Brahmi