AFC U17 Asian Cup
On Tuesday, the 192cm-tall defender delivered one of his most important performances in Jeddah – guiding his side to the final as they moved within one match of erasing the memory of quarter-final heartbreak in 2025.
Against a dominant Uzbekistan side, the four-time champions were seconds away from being shown the exit before Motosuna laid the ball perfectly for Chimezie Ezemuokwe to net the equaliser and force the semi-final to a penalty shoot-out, with Japan triumphing 3-2.
Against a dominant Uzbekistan side, the four-time champions were seconds away from being shown the exit before Motosuna laid the ball perfectly for Chimezie Ezemuokwe to net the equaliser and force the semi-final to a penalty shoot-out, with Japan triumphing 3-2.
Japan were outplayed for much of the 90 minutes at King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium but such is Motosuna’s determination and mentality that the skipper never stopped believing they would pull through.
“I don’t think it was a good game for us but trying until the last minute is very important to win matches like this,” said Motosuna. “I kept pushing the team forward.”
“I don’t think it was a good game for us but trying until the last minute is very important to win matches like this,” said Motosuna. “I kept pushing the team forward.”
.jpg?w=2400&q=80)
The Kashima Antlers Youth player credits his disciplined routine and football environment in Japan for shaping his development.
“In Japan, I live at my parents’ house. I go to the gym, eat properly, and try to watch professional teams and matches to improve my ability. My father played football in Nigeria, so that also influenced me. There was a futsal court nearby and a school there, so I joined when I was five years old.
“At that time, it was just for fun – more like playing and enjoying myself rather than anything serious. I was just enjoying football while I was playing.”
“In Japan, I live at my parents’ house. I go to the gym, eat properly, and try to watch professional teams and matches to improve my ability. My father played football in Nigeria, so that also influenced me. There was a futsal court nearby and a school there, so I joined when I was five years old.
“At that time, it was just for fun – more like playing and enjoying myself rather than anything serious. I was just enjoying football while I was playing.”
.jpg?w=2400&q=80)
Enjoyment remains at the heart of his game.
“I’m still far from perfect, but I’ve always tried to enjoy playing football. Before I knew it, I had come this far. One thing I’ve learned is that I play my best when I’m enjoying myself. I’m always learning from matches and studying the game to improve.
“I also enjoy it more when the level of the opponent is higher and the challenge is stronger.”
“I’m still far from perfect, but I’ve always tried to enjoy playing football. Before I knew it, I had come this far. One thing I’ve learned is that I play my best when I’m enjoying myself. I’m always learning from matches and studying the game to improve.
“I also enjoy it more when the level of the opponent is higher and the challenge is stronger.”
Related News
- AFC U17 Asian Cup
Ono hails Japan’s courage; Chigodaev rues late heartbreak for Uzbekistan
- AFC U17 Asian Cup
China PR’s focus pleases Ukishima; Australia’s Veart seeks improvements
- AFC U17 Asian Cup
Shuai wants to go all the way with China PR
- AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup
#U17WAC - In Numbers
- Competitions & Football Events Division
Saudi Arabia stay top in latest AFC Men’s Club Competitions Ranking
Item 1 of 5