Japan secured a place in the knockout stage of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025 with a 2-0 win against 10-player Zambia on Wednesday.
The former champions made it two wins out of two as they booked their spot in the next round with a match to spare.
In a balanced opening half, both sides found the target but each effort was ruled out for offside.
In the swirling wind, Japan twice came close to scoring from high, looping corners early in the second period — first when Zambia defender Precious Mwape headed Noa Fukushima’s set-piece off the goalline, and then as goalkeeper Loveness Chingwele blocked a close-range header from Yunao Aoki.
Japan seized the initiative when Honoka Sunaga latched onto the ball just outside the area following a corner and the rising effort flew past Chingwele into the top of the net in the 69th minute.
Chingwele was then shown a red card in the closing stages after she lost control of the ball in the area and bundled over substitute forward Nanami Taira, with Fukushima converting the resulting spot-kick in the 86th minute to confirm Japan’s spot in the next round.
Photos: FIFA via Getty Images
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It was a great display by the Copper Princesses despite the loss. The young ladies had what it takes to get at least a draw but a combination of circumstances did not work in their favour. Kudos coach Kanyemba. Chingwele was excellent in goal except for the late mistake. We proud of you young lady. Let’s now go and beat NZ
That was a good display. Japan can bare witness, that was not an easy victory for them.
Coach Carol and team deserve their flowers but we need a BIG win against New Zealand. We can do it. A 5 – 0 is good enough to see us through to the group stages i think🤔🤣😅