Japan’s dominance in youth women’s football was on full display as the four-time champions delivered a statement performance to open their campaign at the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup. In a one-sided Group B clash at the Taihu Football Sports Center in Suzhou, Japan overwhelmed Lebanon with a staggering 13-0 victory, immediately underlining their credentials as one of the tournament’s favorites.
Japan announced the start of the tournament with a “goal bombardment,” scoring as many as 13 goals. From the opening whistle, Japan imposed its rhythm, combining technical precision with relentless attacking intent. The breakthrough came as early as the third minute of the first half. HIGUCHI Rara struck the post before reacting quickly to keep the move alive, linking play with a clever backheel that allowed KUBOTA Maho to slot home the opener. It set the tone for what would become a relentless attacking exhibition.
Lebanon, despite moments of resistance led by goalkeeper Chebli, struggled to contain Japan’s movement and passing combinations. The pressure soon told again in the 25th minute when Franjié turned the ball into her own net under duress, doubling Japan’s lead. Just two minutes later, HIGUCHI found the scoresheet herself, and within moments, Sumiya Luna added another with a powerful strike as Japan began to pull away decisively.
The first half quickly turned into a showcase of attacking depth. HIGUCHI continued to torment the Lebanese defense, scoring again in the 34th minute to complete a brace, before Ikeda Yuzuha extended the lead further. Ito Anri then added a seventh with a composed, curled finish, capping off a breathtaking first half that ended 7-0.
Japan’s intensity did not drop after the break. Instead, they continued to push forward with the same energy and precision. HANASHIRO Meiga struck twice early in the second half, scoring in the 52nd and 60th minutes to further widen the gap. The highlight of the match came shortly after when HIGUCHI completed her hat trick with a stunning long-range effort, a goal that epitomized Japan’s technical superiority on the day. Further goals from Ito Anri, Ota Arisu, and Kurita Nanami completed the rout, taking the final tally to 13 and sealing one of the most emphatic wins in the competition’s recent history.
While Lebanon showed determination and continued to fight until the final whistle, the difference in quality, experience, and physicality was evident throughout the contest. For Japan, the performance reflected not just attacking prowess but also the depth of their youth development system, which has consistently produced technically gifted and tactically disciplined players.
Historically, Japan has been one of the most successful nations in this age category, with multiple continental titles and a strong presence in global youth competitions. Their structured development pathway, supported by the Japan Football Association, has been widely regarded as a model in women’s football. The emphasis on technical training, game intelligence, and early exposure to competitive football continues to pay dividends at tournaments like this.
This victory also sends a strong message to their Group B opponents, particularly India, whom Japan will face next. Given the scale of this opening result, Japan enters that fixture with significant momentum and confidence, while their opponents will need to prepare for a stern challenge. Beyond the scoreline, Japan’s ability to maintain focus and discipline throughout the match stood out. Even with a commanding lead, the team continued to press, create chances, and execute their game plan without complacency. Such consistency is often what separates title contenders from the rest in tournaments of this level.
As the competition progresses, Japan will look to build on this performance and continue their pursuit of another continental crown. With a blend of individual brilliance and collective cohesion, they have already set the benchmark early in the tournament.
For now, their “goal bombardment” serves as both a warning and a statement of intent. Japan is not just here to compete. They are here to dominate.
