On Thursday 5 January, the semi-finals of the 31st All Japan High School Women's Football Championship took place at Noevir Stadium Kobe.

Semi-finals 1

Sakuyo High School 0-1 (0-0, 0-1) Fujieda Junshin High School

The first match between Sakuyo High School (Chugoku 1/Okayama) and Fujieda Junshin High School (Tokai 1/Shizuoka) saw Fujieda Junshin dictate the pace from the outset. The Shizuoka side dominated the ball possession while applying plenty of pressure to prevent Sakuyo from initiating counterattacks.

Following a scoreless first half, Sakuyo changed their approach and started to make attempts to deliver long balls into the space behind the opposing defence line. However, it was Fujieda Junshin who capitalised on the next opportunity. In the 56th minute, the shot taken by SHIMOYOSHI Yui ricocheted off a Sakuyo defender before finding the back of the net. Following this goal, Sakuyo shifted their system to a three-back formation and utilised their substitutions, but couldn’t find ways to score the equaliser, as Fujieda Junshin advanced to the final with a 1-0 victory.

Semi-finals 2

Jumonji High School 1-1 (0-0, 1-1, PK3-1) Hinomoto Gakuen High School

The second match between Jumonji High School (Kanto 1/Tokyo) and Hinomoto Gakuen High School (Kansai 2/Hyogo) saw both teams apply aggressive pressure and engage in fierce battles all over the field. Hinomoto Gakuen pursued their passing football, while Jumonji attempted to attack down the flanks by elevating their side-backs, but both sides ended the first half with few shots on target.

A golden moment arrived for Hinomoto Gakuen in the 58th minute, when TAKAHASHI Ayu was fouled inside the box to earn a spot kick, but Jumonji’s HASEGAWA Kokoro made a brilliant save to keep the clean sheet intact.

The intense match came down to the wire, as Jumonji broke the deadlock in the 85th minute with the goal of MIYAKE Mahiro. However, Hinomoto Gakuen responded just a minute later, when TANAKA Haruna converted a deflection of a shot to send the match into penalties.

At the shootout, Jumonji’s goalkeeper Hasegawa once again rose to the occasion, making two saves to help the Tokyo side advance to the final.

Coaches and Players' Comments

SHIMOYOSHI Yui (Fujieda Junshin High School)
From our scouting report, we knew that our opponents were going to seek for their chances to counter us, so we were alerted even while we were possessing the ball. Our coach has always told me to make conscious efforts to take shots whenever I have a chance, which helped me score that goal. I felt very relieved and happy when I heard the final whistle. I am happy that I was able to contribute to the team’s victory by scoring a goal.

IKEDA Hiroko, Coach (Sakuyo High School)
We allowed our opponents to freely build their attacks from the flanks and were out matches in terms of the number of set pieces and shots taken in the first half. However, we were anticipating a challenging match, so a score of 0-0 at the break was within our game plan. Although the players showed great concentration in the second half, we were unable to capitalise on our opportunities when we had the momentum on our side.

HASEGAWA Kokoro (Jumonji High School)
It was a tough match from the start, and we didn’t know what would happen until the very end. Once we entered penalties, I was able to keep my composure and did not commit myself until the opponents kicked the ball. The fact that I was able to stop a spot kick during the match helped me make those two saves. We will continue to communicate and work hard as a team at the final.

WATADA Mitsutoshi, Coach (Hinomoto Gakuen High School)
I was very pleased to see our players display the passing football we have worked all year. The team really came together a week before the tournament and I think the players have grown a lot since then. At the Inter-High School Championships, we also demonstrated our passing football skills, but I think this time we were able to do so with much higher quality. Although we lost in penalties, I believe that if we play our football with all our might throughout the year, the result will be different next time.

The 101st All Japan High School Soccer Tournament

Tournament Dates: Wed. 28 December 2022 - Mon. 9 January 2023

Tournament Information