China 0-2 Japan Live Score, AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Final: Ogura, Ozeki Put Samurai Blue On Top In Title Showdown

The teams are back from the mid-game break and the second half gets underway at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium. China now kicking from right to left and Japan the other way.

After a couple of minutes of added time, the referee brings the first half to an end in Jeddah. Japan go into the interval with a healthy two-goal lead, and given how well the Samurai Blue defend, it's hard to see China turn the tide, if not for something magical in the second half.

Meanwhile, in the English Premier League, Manchester City lead Wolves 1-0 and Brighton are up 1-0 against Fulham. Earlier, West Ham beat Sunderland 3-1 at home while later in the evening, Liverpool visit Bournemouth.

The Chinese defence is breached again! This time it is Kosei Ogura, who whips in a superb right-footer from distance into the right corner. Li Hao is uncharacteristically beaten for the second time in eight minutes, and Japan are in the driver's seat.

Japan draw first blood in the 12th minute! Yuto Ozeki strikes from distance and the ball takes a bit of a deflection from a Chinese shirt before nestling into the net. A VAR check ensues for offside, but the goal stands and the Samurai Blue are in the lead.

Here's a quick look at the two teams' past face-offs at the AFC U23 Asian Cup: This will be the second meeting between China and Japan at the tournament, with Japan winning the lone encounter in the group stage of the 2024 1-0.

It's a pulsating start to the final, as Japan, kicking from right to left, press forward straight away and put the Chinese defence under pressure. The Dragon Team's well-known backline structure holding firm for now.

The match kicks off at 8:30pm IST. The China vs Japan, AFC U23 Asian Cup final will be live streamed on the FanCode app and website in India. It will not be telecast on any TV channel in the country.

Greetings and welcome, football faithfuls. We are back with another live blog and this time it is the title showdown of the AFC U23 Asian Cup between China and Japan. Watch this space for the build-up and live updates.