Republic of Congo open with defeat to Japan at Maurice Revello Tournament

Africa’s representatives at the Maurice Revello Tournament (f.k.a. Toulon Tournament) have two defeats from two matches after Congo’s under-20 national team fell to their counterparts from Japan by a 0-2 score to kick off the second matchday of the competition on Wednesday.

In an even match, a two-minute lapse in concentration from the Congolese team resulted in Japan’s victory. Kawasake Frontale forward Soma Kanda scored two goals in two minutes close to the hour mark early in the second half to give the Samurai Blue all three points.

A positive start from the Congolese resulted in a moment that appeared to give them the lead in the 24th minute but the goal was controversially disallowed for offsides.

After perhaps looking like the more dangerous team in the first half, Congo fell victim to an opportunistic Japanese side that opened the scoring through Kanda in the 56th minute. The striker provided another finish from a 1v1 opportunity with Congo goalkeeper Yann Batola less than a minute later to complete a meltdown from the Congolese selection.

Congo next take on Denmark’s under-20 national team on Saturday in Group B, which also includes Mexico.

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