Semi-Final

Fukuoka Tobiume Senior SC   2-1   Tokyo Bay FC O-50
KYOTO MAYUMARO FC   1-0   Shizuoka Sunpu FC

A semi-final contest between Fukuoka Tobiume Senior SC (Kyushu/ Fukuoka) and Tokyo Bay FC O-50 (Kanto 2/ Tokyo) saw the Tokyo side open the scoring just into the second half when HOSHIKAWA Kuniaki headed home a left corner, but Fukuoka rallied back with SENBIKI Yoshinori and SHIMODO Eiji's goals soon after that. Fukuoka advanced to the final, breaking the dominance of Kanto outfits, who had been won the three consecutive titles.

On the other side of the semi-finals, KYOTO MAYUMARO FC (Kansai 2/ Kyoto) beat Shizuoka Sunpu FC (Tokai 1/ Shizuoka) with IMAI Masashi's last ditch header for a cross ball from the right flank at the end of second half after the match had remained scoreless. The final for the Japan champions was competed between Fukuoka and KYOTO MAYUMARO.

Final

Fukuoka Tobiume Senior SC   1-3   KYOTO MAYUMARO FC

The final's win was going to be the first-ever championship title for the winning team. Imai and HASHIMOTO Masato led KYOTO MAYUMARO by controlling the ball and connected it to chances as coach YAMASHITA Kazuyoshi said, "MATSUYAMA's (Yoshiyuki) performance was prominent, but they are the MVPs.

The first opening came in the 13th minute. Matsuyama broke through the left flank and TAMURA Katsuhiro broke the deadlock with a dive for a cross from Matsuyama. Fukuoka, who allowed the opening goal, also did not remain dormant. After conjuring several chances from flanks, Shimodo reacted to a left cross and found the back of the net to level matters in the 15th minute.

Although the Kyoto side had their solid defence broken that had kept a clean sheet since the tournament began, they were never demoralised. "We would have got into trouble if our spirits had got discouraged, but I felt our determination like 'We can go forward even if we give up a goal,'" said YASUDA Kazumasa. With Kyoto's Tamura got brought down in the penalty box, Matsuyama netted a goal from the spot to give his side a 2-1 lead before the first half finished. KYOTO MAYUMARO added one more with Matsuyama's second penalty in the 5th minute in the second half to make it 3-1 and did not allow the second goal to Fukuoka with intense defence after that. In the closing phase of the match, the Kyoto side used their time well by keeping the ball in the opposing end and were successful in hanging on. With the final whistle was blown with 3-1, KYOTO MAYUMARO claimed their maiden national title.

Coach and Players' Comments

YAMASHITA Kazuyoshi, Coach (KYOTO MAYUMARO FC）
We've got a lot of injuries, and most of the matches from the first round were against strong teams. But the entire team worked as one. There are lots of players who experienced the runners-up finishes in the 9th and 10th tournaments, and their strong determination to win the title at any cost led us to the title. Continuing playing football after passing 50- year-old mark is difficult physically. Even so, even if we've got hardship at work, we can forget everything and get excited about it when we get together and play football in weekends. And we can feel like "Ok, let's keep it up next week, too."

YASUDA Kazumasa (KYOTO MAYUMARO FC)
Before the tournament, we had little time getting all together for practice, but all players became aware of the concept of "All players participate both in offence and defence," and actually came to play that way. That's the reason why we could win. Why I'm playing football at this age is I know the disappointment of a loss and the happiness of a win. And when a new player joins the team, I feel like "I want to play football more together." The national tournament is an opportunity to enjoy the pleasure of continuing playing football. As we've got a new goal, back-to-back win, we will keep up our work.

OTSUKA Mitsutoshi (Fukuoka Tobiume Senior SC)
Our goal was to reach the final, so I'm glad to achieve the goal. Of course, the best outcome would be winning the title, but we were able to play a good match in the semi-final and final, equalising once even after allowing the opening goal. Everyone was satisfied and enjoyed the tournament. The Fukuoka squad mainly have players who took part in the Fukuoka National Sports Festival 26 years ago. After the festival finished, we all played for different teams, but we got together again when we became senior. Playing football with intimate friends is fun, and I enjoy drinking while taking about old days.

SHICHIJO Kazuaki (Tokyo Bay FC O-50)
We won through the Tokyo and Kanto region tournaments, called the battleground, but there are better teams in the country, and I felt like "There are a lot of tough guys." We were going for the top, so the result is disappointing. But during the three days, we had an experience that we can't have in our daily life. For me, football is one of my communication tools. We can take advantage of the perfect harmony that is brushed up while enjoying football for our daily life and work, and when we feel connected with each other, it's really a pleasing moment.

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

The 15th All Japan Seniors (over 50) football tournament

Sat. 25 June 2016 - Mon. 27 June
Akita/Akigin Stadium, Yabase Sports Park Field, Yabase Sports Park Kenkouhiroba

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