It was a frustrating scenario for Japan today as they were held to a draw by Angola (1-1). During the first period, Japan globally had the advantage. They had the ball possession and created some chances. Takumi Sasaki, the Japanese captain, had a big situation at the 5th minute. The midfielder missed his face-to-face against Josue (AGO/1). After this first chance, the game was pretty balanced as both teams tried to take the advantage over the other. Jaredi(AGO/18) has shown some skills but his team didn’t get a single big situation. Although, Japan had another big occasion. Shogo Asada fired a header that hit the post, on a corner-kick by Sasaki. If Angola was less dangerous than their opponents they tried to resist, by doing a lot of fouls.
Japan started the second half with offensive intentions as they had two big situations. They have been rewarded at the 53rd minute, when Sasaki got a penalty, transformed by himself to take the lead. After the goal, none of the teams succeed to have a very big situation, and the score didn't change... until the last minute! Chicio Banza scored with a header after a corner! With this goal Angola is still alive in the Maurice Revello tournament.
Angola - Japon: 1-1 (0-0)
Matchday 2 - Group A
Stade D’Honneur, Salon-de-Provence
Goals : Chicio Banza (AGO) / Takumi Sasaki (JAP)
Angola : Josue (Beny 64') - Mona, Nandinho, William, Rachid - Milson, Alem, Catraoi, Jaredi (Rui 63') - Va, Chicio Banza - Coach: Igor Lazic
Japon : Oki - Hashioka, Sugiayama, Asada (Tatsuta 40') - Tanaka, Kaneko, Sasaki, Ito - Kurokawa (Yoshio 40'), Ando (Abe 57'), Komatsu - Coach: Masanaga Kageyama
Anthony Guttuso
Photo credits : Magali Ruffato / Eric Estrade