On Sunday 8 January, the 31st All Japan High School Women's Football Championship final took place at Noevir Stadium Kobe, where Fujieda Junshin High School (Tokai 1/Shizuoka) was crowned as champions for the sixth time.

Final

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

The match between Fujieda Junshin and Jumonji High School (Kanto 1/Tokyo) saw the two sides fiercely battle for the ball to take the initiative. In the fifth minute, Jumonji’s MURAYAMA Mami struck a shot from the edge of the box that was headed towards the left corner of the goal, but Fujieda Junshin’s goalkeeper KIKUCHI Yuan was there to make a fine save. Fujieda Junshin also came close to taking the lead when they struck shots in the 41st and 42nd minutes, but both attempts missed the target.

The second half saw Fujieda Junshin applying even more pressure from the frontline to force turnovers in the opposing territory. Jumonji also pressed up their fullbacks to utilise the width of the pitch, which led to the opportunity created in the 52nd minute, when ASAKA Miyu struck a header off of a cross delivered by NOMURA Ami, but this shot was denied by the woodwork.

The deadlock was broken in the 68th minute, when Fujieda Junshin’s YAMADA Ayumi forced a turnover near the Jumonji penalty area before sending a cross towards the goal. It was MASANO Runa who made the run from the far side, superbly controlled the ball to evade the goalkeeper, and slot the ball into the open net.

In efforts to rally back, Jumonji used their substitutions to bring in more offensive players, ramping up their shot tally to 10, but fell short from finding the back of the net, as Fujieda Junshin held onto the one goal lead to claim the title.

Coaches and Players' Comments

NAKAMURA Kakeru, Coach (Fujieda Junshin High School)
Facing a very strong opponent, we were expecting the match to be a close one. Although we struggled at times, the players fought very patiently to exploit the opponents’ weaknesses and capitalised on the one opportunity. I told Masano that if she kept on working hard for the team, the ball will eventually roll towards her way, which was exactly what happened. I am very pleased with the efforts the players have put forth to achieve this victory.

MASANO Runa (Fujieda Junshin High School)
I entered today's game with the goal of making plays to help the team win because I haven't been able to score since the first round, which has negatively impacted my plays. I've received support and advice from my teammates and coaches to help me get out of this rut. I'm grateful beyond words to my teammates for having faith in me despite my struggles.

ISHIYAMA Takayuki, Coach (Jumonji High School)
We were just a tad short. Despite being without their captain, vice-captain, and other key players due to injury, the players performed admirably. We gave our best to possess the ball and apply pressure from the frontline. The injured players also played a key role as assistant coaches to help us reach the final. Regardless of this match result, I am very proud of these players.

SUGIYAMA Haruna (Jumonji High School)
We entered the final with a sense of gratitude and determination. With our captains and other key players injured, I was given the armband for this match, so I was determined to do whatever I can to help the team, but we fell short from winning the title. I am not sure if we were able to leave everything on the pitch, but we must try to make the most of this experience in the future.

The 101st All Japan High School Soccer Tournament

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

Tournament Information