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Uzbekistan U23 vs Japan U23 Preview and Betting Tips - Samurai Blue to Secure Spot in Asian Games Final

tolu-shotade
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Last updated: Tue 29 Sep 2026 07:16
Uzbekistan U23 face Japan U23 in the Asian Games semi-final, both boasting perfect records in the tournament. Uzbekistan overcame early struggles to reach the last four, while Japan have shown consistency and excellence, riding a nine-win streak across ten matches. Head-to-head, Japan have the upper hand, winning the last two meetings against Uzbekistan. With Japan's impeccable form and recent dominance in this fixture, they are tipped as favorites to reach the final.
Tolu Shotade 2 hours ago
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  • Japan U23 are unbeaten in last 10 matches, winning 9.
  • Uzbekistan U23 have also won all their Asian Games matches so far.
  • Japan have recent psychological edge, winning last two head-to-heads.
Uzbekistan U23 vs Japan U23
Uzbekistan U23 vs Japan U23 (Getty Images)

Uzbekistan U23 vs Japan U23 Asian Games Preview


Uzbekistan and Japan square off in the semi-final of the Asian Games football event, with a place in the final up for grabs. 

Both teams have had an impressive campaign so far, but the Samurai Blue will be counting on their recent record in this fixture and should have the edge on Wednesday. 

Key Stats


  • Japan U23 have won all four matches in the Asian Games. 
  • Japan U23 have won nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions. 
  • Uzbekistan U23 lost two matches against Japan U23.

Little to Separate


Uzbekistan and Japan have picked up two wins each from four previous matches. The Samurai Blue’s wins have come in the last two meetings, including a 2-0 victory in a friendly back in 2025. 

Uzbekistan Clicking at the Asian Games

 
Uzbekistan are in the semi-finals of the Asian Games after claiming a 3-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in their previous fixture. Dilshod Murtozoev gave them an early lead while Azizbek Tulkunbekov and Firdavs Abdurakhmonov were also on target after the break. 

The White Wolves have enjoyed a solid Asian Games campaign so far, winning all four of their matches in the competition. Among their results is a 5-1 victory over the Philippines in their opening fixture. 

Manager Ravshan Khaydarov will be pleased to see his team clicking at the right time, after struggling in the build-up to the tournament. They suffered four defeats in five matches prior to the start of the Asian Games.

Japan Almost Unstoppable

 
A 1-0 quarter-final victory over North Korea was enough to earn Japan a place in the last four of the Asian Games. Brian Nwadik struck the only goal late in the first half, and they were able to hold on for the win. 

That was arguably the hardest game at the tournament for Japan, who had breezed through all their matches. Among the results for Go Oiwa's team is a 7-0 victory over Kyrgyzstan in their second group stage fixture. 

Japan’s fine showing is not limited to only the Asian Games, as they have looked almost unstoppable in recent months. The Samurai Blue are unbeaten in their last 10 matches in all competitions, picking up nine wins in this run. 

Team News & Predicted Line-ups 


Uzbekistan (4-3-1-2): Samandar Muratbaev; Kuvonchbek Khushvakov, Giyosdzhon Rizakulov, Saidkhon Khamidov, Dilshod Murtozoev; Sardorbek Bakhromov, Azizbek Tulkunbekov, Ruziboy Fayzullaev; Firdavs Abdurakhmonov; Saidumarkhon Saidnurullaev, Azizbek Tulkunbekov.

Abdurakhmonov could earn a start for Uzbekistan after coming off the bench to score in the semi-final. Tulkunbekov should continue in attack while Giyosdzhon Rizakulov is set to feature at the back once again. 

Japan (4-2-3-1): Rui Araki; Rei Umekii, Rion Ichihara, Tariqkani Okabe, Mihiro Sato; Yotaro Nakajima, Yudai Shimamoto; Hitsatsugu Ishii, Yumeki Yokoyama, Hitsatsugu Ishii; Brian Nwadik.

Nwadik could be given the nod in attack once again after scoring Japan’s only goal in the semi-final. Yotaro Nakajima should feature in midfield while Rion Ichihara and Tariqkani Okabe are set to continue their partnership in central defence.

Verdict

Uzbekistan only just got their act together at the start of the tournament, as their form prior to that had been poor. 

Meanwhile, Japan’s overall form has been smooth and having won the last two meetings, should claim the upper hand once again for a place in the Asian Games final.

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tolu-shotade
Tolu Shotade

Football Writer • 10+ Years as a Betting Analyst, TV & Radio Lead Presenter

Worked as a sports anchor on radio between 2007 and 2012 before switching to television. Tolu was the lead presenter for the Italian Serie A, English Premier League and German Bundesliga on satellite television in Africa and joined SuperSport in 2017. He began writing for freetips.com in 2018 and has a deep knowledge of the African leagues as well as Europe's top 5 leagues including the UEFA Champions League and Europa League. Favourite Sports: Football addict with interests in boxing and tennis.

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