Japan U23 face South Africa in friendly ahead of Olympics clash with Nigeria

Japan U23 face South Africa in friendly ahead of Olympics clash with Nigeria

The Asians will test their might against Owen Da Gama’s side on Wednesday ahead their Olympic opener against the Dream Team VI

Japan face South Africa in the 2016 Kirin Challenge Cup on Wednesday in Nagano in preparation for their 2016 Olympics opener against c.

The game billed for the General Sports Stadium Alwin will see coach Makoto Teguramori’s side test their might against Owen Da Gama’s team who have been placed in a hard-hitting group against hosts Brazil, Iraq and Denmark in Group A.

For the Africans, it is an opportunity to fine tune strategies for the Olympics Games few days after defeating Botswana to win the Cosafa Castle Cup competition.

“We are very grateful to the Japan Football Association (JFA) for granting us the chance to play this all-important match. We are now just over a month away from the Olympic Games, and we need a few more matches to brush up on our game,” coach Da Gama told Safa website.

“We are happy with the work we have put in so far, moreso the achievement we got in the COSAFA Cup – it will go a long way in lifting the morale of the team.

“The game Japan is crucial in that it will help check how far we have come and what more needs to be done. A win will most certainly keep the positive momentum in the team going on.”

Japan will be making their sixth appearance in the quadrennial competition and must dust off challenges from the Samson Siasia’s side, Colombia and Sweden in Group B

Should the Samurai Blue get out of its group, they could face South Africa in the quarterfinals.