International Friendlies - Japan, Korea Republic, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan victorious

Kuala Lumpur: Takumi Minamono was joined by Ritsu Doan on the scoresheet as Japan eased 2-0 past Ghana in an international friendly on Friday.

Korea Republic and Uzbekistan defeated Bolivia and Egypt 2-0 respectively, Saudi Arabia edged Ivory Coast 1-0, Jordan suffered a 3-2 defeat while Australia were edged 1-0 by Venezuela as Asia’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers continued their buildup to the global showpiece.

Playing their first match since the historic 3-2 win over Brazil a month ago, 19th-ranked Japan dominated 73rd-ranked Ghana, as they kept a clean sheet for the first time in four games.

Son Heung-min scored a stunning free-kick to set Korea Republic on their way to a 2-0 win over Bolivia, bending a wonderful strike over the top of the wall and into the top-left corner, giving Guillermo Viscarra no chance.

Having initially struggled to break down their visitors at the Daejeon World Cup Stadium, Korea Republic eventually wrapped up the win with help from substitute Cho Gue-sung on his return to the national team.

Uzbekistan were also victorious, thanks to a brace from Oston Urunov as the White Wolves returned to winning ways following last month’s 2-1 defeat to Uruguay.

Urunov opened the scoring in the fourth minute after weaving past Egyptian defenders to strike home and doubled his tally after getting the better of Egypt keeper Mohamed Sobhi in the 43rd minute.

Saudi Arabia secured a 1-0 victory in Jeddah against Ivory Coast thanks to an eight minute strike from Saleh Abualshamat.

The Al Ahli Saudi FC forward broke the deadlock after a sharp attacking move, catching Emerse Fae’s side flat-footed.

Tunisia edged Jordan in a five-goal thriller with the Central African side sealing a late comeback.

Jordan struck first through Yazan Al-Naimat in the 29th minute, but Tunisia levelled just before the break via Ali Abdi.

Jordan regained the lead early in the second half through Amer Jamous, only for Montassar Talbi to level the score in the 66th minute.

A red card to Jordan’s Mohannad Abu Taha shortly after half-time tilted the momentum and Tunisia capitalised in the 85th minute through Elias Achouri.

An experimental Socceroos line-up slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Venezuela, with Jesus Ramirez's header in the 38th minute proving the difference in Houston.

Riley McGree came on in the 66th minute and forced a save four minutes later, while Al Hassan Toure forced an excellent one-handed save from Jose Contreras in the 86th minute and that was to be it for Australia.

Oman, who missed out on FIFA World Cup qualification, delivered a composed performance to see off Sudan 2-0 with Zahir Al Aghbari breaking the deadlock in the 64th minute, converting Mabrook Mohamed’s assist.

Rashid Al Alawi then doubled the lead with a crisp finish in the 79th minute.

Photos: AFP

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