On Friday 30 December, the 31st All Japan High School Women's Football Championship kicked-off with 16 first round fixtures played in Hyogo.

Featured Match 1

Hinomoto Gakuen High School 4-0 (1-0, 3-0) Naruto Uzushio High School

Two teams known for their high-pressing styles of play, Hinomoto Gakuen High School (Kansai 2/Hyogo) and Naruto Uzushio High School (Shikoku 2/Tokushima), squared off in the opening match at Miki Sogo Bosai Park.

The match started with Hinomoto Gakuen taking the initiative, as they collected the ball to their lone-striker TAKAHASHI Ayu to initiate their attacks. The opening goal came in the 18th minute when OKABAYASHI Yuzuha responded to a through ball and delivered a cross that was headed in by Takahashi.

Despite giving up the lead, Naruto Uzushio continued to showcase tenacious defence to keep the match within reach but conceded another goal in the first minute of the second half, when FUJITANI Chisato struck a long-range shot that found the back of the net.

After scoring two more goals in the closing minutes, Hinomoto Gakuen advanced to the second round with a comfortable 4-0 victory.

Featured Match 2

Otemon Gakuin High School 1-0 (1-0, 0-0) Seisa International High School Shonan

The second match played at Miki Sogo Bosai Park saw Otemon Gakuin High School (Kansai 3/Osaka) square off against Seisa International High School Shonan (Kanto 3/Kanagawa). The match started with Seisa International possessing the ball while Otemon Gakuin applied aggressive pressure from the midfield.

Otemon Gakuin opened the action in the 22nd minute, when MURAKAMI Kotona converted the cross delivered by NAKANO Suzuka. Gaining momentum from this goal, Otemon Gakuin produced several more opportunities in the first half, but they were unable to fully take advantage of them.

In efforts to change the dynamics of the match, Seisa International utilised their substitutions in the second half, but couldn’t find ways to break down the Otemon Gakuin defence, as the Osaka side hung on to their one goal lead to advance to the second round.

Coaches and Players' Comments

FUJITANI Chisato (Hinomoto Gakuen High School)
We faced the opponents we lost in the Inter-High School Championships, but we tried not to get distracted by it and focused on playing our game. I thought about trapping the ball, but since it was early in the second half, I decided to take my chance for the goal. Although I was personally very disappointed that I was unable to compete in the Inter-High School Championships, I worked harder than anyone else as a result of that experience, which I believe led to this result. There is competition within the team, but we have fun in a cheerful atmosphere and focus on each and every play during practice. This is my first and last national competition, so I definitely want to win the title with this squad.

SATO Josuke, Coach (Naruto Uzushio High School)
The opponents pressured us quickly and we panicked even when we gained possession of the ball. The goal we conceded at the start of the second half was a huge turning point. If we had scored a goal prior to that play, the outcome would have been totally different. Our opponents demonstrated exactly what we were trying to do in this match. Some players were injured or under the weather, but the third-year players, including the substitutes, played a big part in getting us here. I think they have grown up a lot.

NAKANO Suzuka (Otemon Gakuin High School)
We entered the match with the intention of applying high-pressure and scoring goals from early on. We knew our opponents were going to try to possess the ball, so we made conscious efforts to shift our marks and cover the spaces behind our defence line. We were looking to keep the first half scoreless, so we exceeded our expectations by scoring an early goal. Last year we entered the tournament with the goal of winning the title but was eliminated at the quarterfinals. This team is made up mainly of second and third year players who have experienced that bitterness and will once again take on the challenge of winning the national title.

KARASAWA Shunsuke, Coach (Seisa International High School Shonan)
The fact that we made mistakes at the final third shows where we currently stand in terms of technique. Even a goal conceded from a fluky set-piece is a result of the opposing players being in the right position, while we were unable to properly assess the play. We want to develop players who can do the obvious, rather than focusing on the outcome of the match. I know that we are still a young team, but we cannot make that as an excuse. We will try to make the most of this experience and try again next year.

The 31st All Japan High School Women's Football Championship

Tournament Dates: Fri. 30 December 2022 - Sun. 8 January 2023
Venues: Miki Sogo Bosai Park, Goshikidai Sports Park, Ibuki Forest Football Ground, Noevir Stadium Kobe
*All in Hyogo Prefecture

Tournament Information