The quarterfinals of the 31st All Japan High School Women's Football Championship took place on Tuesday 3 January.

Featured Match 1

Tokiwagi Gakuen High School 1-2 (1-0, 0-2) Jumonji High School

In the first match held at Miki Sogo Bosai Park, Tokiwagi Gakuen High School (Tohoku 1/Miyagi) faced Jumonji High School (Kanto 1/Tokyo). Facing Jumonji, who kept possession of the ball with their quick passing, Tokiwagi Gakuen showcased great composure and organisation to keep the opponents at bay. Seeking for their chances to counter, Tokiwagi Gakuen captured the opening goal in the 26th minute, when the shot taken by MIURA Rui from distance ricocheted off the cross bar before finding the back of the net.

However, it was Jumonji who picked up their pace after this goal, as they gradually increased their intensity level. After the shot taken by NOMURA Ami struck the goal post in the 48th minute, MIYAKE Mahiro converted a cross to score the equaliser in the 53rd minute. With momentum on their side, Jumonji took the lead in the 71st minute when CHIBA Ririka scored off a corner kick. Jumonji, who fired 11 shots in the second half alone, moved on to the semi-finals.

Featured Match 2

Otemon Gakuin High School 1-3 (1-3, 0-0) Hinomoto Gakuen High School

The second match held at Miki Sogo Bosai Park was played between Otemon Gakuin High School (Kansai 3/Osaka) and Hinomoto Gakuen High School (Kansai 2/Hyogo). Although it was Otemon Gakuin who were the aggressor in the early minutes of the match, it was Hinomoto Gakuen who opened the action, with the goal scored by OKABAYASHI Yuzuha in the 11th minute.

After taking the lead, Hinomoto Gakuen showed great composure to keep the ball moving, which led to their second goal scored in the 23rd minute, when TAKAGI Aozora assisted the goal of TAKAHASHI Ayu. Otemon Gakuin managed to score back a goal, with a corner kick converted by KYODA Nanami in the 38th minute, but Hinomoto Gakuen responded with another goal scored by Okabayashi during additional time of the first half.

Despite creating numerous chances, Otemon Gakuin were kept scoreless in the second half, as by Hinomoto Gakuen showed great tenacity throughout the match to advance to the semi-finals.

Coaches and Players' Comments

CHIBA Ririka (Jumonji High School)
As a third-year player, I wanted to support the team by being the most vocal person in Japan when I wasn't on the pitch, and I wanted to make sure to get the best results when I was on the pitch. My ability to win physical and aerial battles is my strong point, so I was determined to capitalise from set pieces. This is our last tournament during high school and the first and last shot at the All Japan High School Women's Football Championship for us third-year players. We are expecting another tough match in the next round, but we will continue to give our best and fight hard until the very end.

TAKATSUKA Ena (Tokiwagi Gakuen High School)
Our opponents gained momentum after we scored the opener, but we knew that the tide would shift back our way again. Although we were able to execute our game plan perfectly, we failed to capitalise on our opportunities in the final third. Our team reached the quarterfinals during my first year, and the semi-finals in my second year, so I really wanted to win the title this time. This is a disappointing loss, but we are satisfied with the way we played, so we will accept this result and move onto the next step.

OKABAYASHI Yuzuha (Hinomoto Gakuen High School)
The first goal was setup perfectly by my teammate, so I only had to make contact with the ball. When I scored the second goal, I crossed the ball towards the goal in the hopes that someone would touch it, but it ended up going straight in. I was feeling really good and was able to break through down the line a several occasions. I am glad I was able to contribute for the team by scoring a brace. With this being the last tournament for the third year players, everyone is doing their best to keep our run alive. We will be playing against another tough opponent next, but we hope to beat them to reach the final.

MARUKI Sanae, Coach (Otemon Gakuin High School)
It is difficult to play defensively for the entire 80 minutes, so we focused on playing aggressively in the opening and closing minutes of the match. Our approach turned out to be effective in some parts and the players worked very hard. We wanted to return the favour after losing to them in the Kansai qualifiers for the Empress's Cup, but they were simply the better team today. They scored three goals from three shots in the first half, which shows how weak we were in defending our goal. However, we are satisfied with the fact that we have made it this far. Some of the first and second year players were crying with regret, but I believe that the third year players gave it their all and left no regrets.

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