The win took Oiwa’s side within one match of defending their title and the tactician was pleased that his players had passed a stiff test with top marks.
“I’m very happy to reach the final,” said Oiwa, who was also in charge of the 2024 title-winning squad. “We managed to pass a tough test and the players were able to gain a lot of experience." .....
⚽ 𝗚𝗢𝗔𝗟 | 🇯🇵 Japan 1️⃣-0️⃣ Korea Republic 🇰🇷
— #ACFutsal2026 (@afcasiancup) January 20, 2026
Kaito Koizumi reacts quickest to the loose ball and fires home the rebound to give Japan the breakthrough!
Watch 𝙇𝙄𝙑𝙀: https://t.co/UoSghpE0Oa#AFCU23 | #JPNvKOR pic.twitter.com/Pi9G1WXe93
>>READ MORE "AFC Official Site"

![10MA TOPICS! [KOREA FA][AFC U23 ASIAN CUP] Poor finishing cost us, says Korea Republic’s Lee](https://image.eaff.com/index/8556.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [CHINA FA][AFC U23 ASIAN CUP] S-final: China PR power past Vietnam](https://image.eaff.com/index/8555.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA][AFC U23 ASIAN CUP] S-final: Koizumi strike helps Japan edge Korea Republic](https://image.eaff.com/index/8554.jpg)

![[FIFA WORLD RANKING] Japan remain Asia's best despite drop](https://image.eaff.com/index/8552.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA] Miyashiro leaves Kobe to join Las Palmas](https://image.eaff.com/index/8551.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [KOREA FA][AFC U23 ASIAN CUP] Baek expects a more potent Korea Republic against Japan](https://image.eaff.com/index/8550.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [CHINA FA][AFC U23 ASIAN CUP] Li proud to have played his part for China PR](https://image.eaff.com/index/8549.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [KOREA FA][AFC U23 ASIAN CUP] Korea Republic’s will to win delights Lee](https://image.eaff.com/index/8548.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [CHINA FA][AFC U23 ASIAN CUP] Puche: An emotional day for history-makers China PR](https://image.eaff.com/index/8547.jpg)