Kuryu Matsui gave Go Oiwa’s side an eighth minute lead only for Nishio to see red nine minutes later for violent conduct, but a stand-out performance in goal from Leo Kokubo ensured the 2016 champions started the tournament with a win.
Victory gives the Japanese the perfect start to their challenge for a second title and a place at a eighth consecutive Olympic Games in a challenging group that also features Korea Republic and the United Arab Emirates. .....
🎥 HIGHLIGHTS | 🇯🇵 Japan 1️⃣-0️⃣ China PR 🇨🇳
— #AsianCup2023 (@afcasiancup) April 16, 2024
Kuryu Matsuki's early goal sets Japan off to a winning start in Group B!
Match Report 🔗 https://t.co/r2zciU7vUB#AFCU23 | #JPNvCHN pic.twitter.com/ZO0JvZ03YH