AFC U17 Asian Cup
Having shown their quality in the run-up to the penultimate stage, both players are aiming to reach the final under different motivations and ambitions.
Captain Motosuna said Japan are motivated not only by the prospect of reaching the final, but also by the desire to reward their supporters and build on lessons from the previous edition.
The four-time champions exited at the quarter-final stage in 2025, losing 3-2 on penalties to Saudi Arabia and Motosuna believes that experience has strengthened their resolve for this campaign.
The four-time champions exited at the quarter-final stage in 2025, losing 3-2 on penalties to Saudi Arabia and Motosuna believes that experience has strengthened their resolve for this campaign.
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“Reaching the final is very important for us. We want to repay the support of the Japanese fans by getting there,” said the Kashima Antlers Youth defender. “Uzbekistan were the champions in the previous edition and we were knocked out in the quarter-finals last time. All I am thinking about now is winning the championship.
“We have an organised defence and we also have individual quality in attack. That is one of our strengths.”
Uzbekistan forward Mukhammad Khakimov says his side are fully focused on their own preparation as they look to defend their title.
“We have an organised defence and we also have individual quality in attack. That is one of our strengths.”
Uzbekistan forward Mukhammad Khakimov says his side are fully focused on their own preparation as they look to defend their title.
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“Japan are a very strong team with good quality, but we are fully focused on ourselves and are preparing to compete for the win,” said Khakimov. “Tomorrow will be a very difficult and intense game. We have our own plan and we will try to execute it to get the result.”
Khakimov expects a tough challenge but said the defending champions have a plan in place to deliver another strong performance.
“We are preparing at the highest level and giving everything in training. That is the standard we will bring into tomorrow’s match.”
Khakimov expects a tough challenge but said the defending champions have a plan in place to deliver another strong performance.
“We are preparing at the highest level and giving everything in training. That is the standard we will bring into tomorrow’s match.”
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