Penalty shootout seals China's fate

Margao:

A penalty shootout sealed China's fate as they went down 1-4 against Japan in an exciting semi-final of the AFC u-19 women's championship at Nehru Stadium here today. Japan held more of the ball in possession in the first half and drew first blood in the fifth minute through Ayako Kitamoto. A move was made from the left by Yukari Kinga and Kanako Ito, as the latter sent a deep pass to Kana Watamba. Watamba in turn relayed the ball to Aya Kitamoto, slotting home from goal mouth to have Japan leading 1-0 at half time. China's midfield failed to function in the first half and it came back strongly in the second half as they held upper hand over their rivals and found the equalizer in the injury time. Zhangna from the middle put a through pass to Bi Yan splitting the rival defence. Bi Yan then took a rival defender in her stride and shot into the far post, past diving keeper Mibo Fukumoto to have both the teams at 1-1 at the end of the match. The goal spurred China, who went all out in the extra time and had two close chances, but keeper Fukumoto prevented Han Duan from scoring. With both the teams failing to break the deadlock during extra time, a tie-breaker was introduced. Japan scored three of the four penalties through Kanako Ito, Akiko Niwata and Akiko Sudo to emerge winners. (PTI)

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