Doha, Qatar, April 30, 2024: Japan and Uzbekistan booked their berths in the men’s competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after reaching the final of the AFC U23 Asian Cup in Doha on Monday, April 29.
Japan defeated Iraq 2-0 in the semi-finals while Uzbekistan secured its Paris 2024 berth with a 2-0 victory over Indonesia in the other semi-final.
Iraq will now meet Indonesia in the third place play-off on Thursday, May 2 to decide the third Asian team to qualify for Paris 2024.
The loser of this match will meet Guinea in a continental play-off on May 9 to decide if a fourth Asian team will reach the Olympics.
A goal from 22-year-old Mao Hosoya in the 28th minute followed by Ryotaro Aki’s 42nd minute strike saw Japan close out the first half with a 2-0 lead. The Samurai Blue held their dominance through the second half to progress to the final which will be played on Friday, May 3.
Paris 2024 will mark Japan’s 12th appearance at the Games, and competing at every edition since 1996.
In the other semi-final, Uzbekistan defeated Indonesia 2-0 courtesy of a goal from Khusayin Norchaev and an own-goal from Pratama Arhan.
This win will mark the first time that Uzbekistan will compete in a team sport at the Olympics.
