Japan, S. Korea squeeze into AFC U-19 championship semifinals

A last-gasp goal by Kota Aoki helped Japan beat Saudi Arabia 2-1 in a thrilling quarterfinal match and book their place in the semifinals of the AFC Youth Championship in Bangalore, India, on Wednesday.

Japan will play South Korea, who defeated Australia 2-1 in the other quarterfinal in Kolkata, in the first semifinal on November 9 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

Kazuhisa Kawahara fired Japan into the lead in driving rain with his well-taken header in the seventh minute before Jufain Al Bishi scored from the penalty spot in the 81st minute to level matters. As extra-time and a Saudi fightback loomed large, Aoki fired the winner in the 90th minute.

The victory also booked Japan's berth in the FIFA U-20 World Cup next year in Canada.

Source: Xinhua