Former Vietnam national team coach unexpectedly wins Asian championship after leaving Vietnam

Former Vietnam women's U20 coach Akira Ijiri clinched the 2026 women's U20 Asian championship with Japan, demonstrating the professional expertise he once laid as groundwork for Vietnam's youth women's football.

Former Vietnam women's U20 coach Akira Ijiri concluded his impressive journey at the 2026 women's U20 Asian championship by winning the title with Japan's women's U20 team, marking a memorable milestone in his coaching career. This achievement not only reflects his leadership capabilities but also clearly shows the strategic imprint of a coach who had been closely involved with Vietnam's women's football for many years.

In the final match, Japan's women's U20 team entered a confrontation with North Korea's women's U20 team – an opponent rated higher due to their physical foundation and powerful style of play. Despite being placed in an "underdog" position, Coach Akira Ijiri's students displayed admirable discipline and courage, persistently executing a tight defensive counter-attacking strategy.

The match's progression showed the immense pressure Japan's women's U20 team had to face. From the very first minutes, North Korea's women's U20 team continuously created dangerous opportunities. Shots from So Ryu Gyong or Choe Rim Jong repeatedly shook Japan's defense. However, goalkeeper Uruha Iwasaki had an outstanding performance with a series of crucial saves, helping her team hold firm until halftime.

The turning point came at the 56th minute, when Japan's women's U20 team effectively utilized a set-piece situation. From Noa Fukushima's free kick, Momoka Sano dashed in and headed accurately, scoring the only goal of the match. This scoring play not only demonstrated tactical organizational ability but also showed the thorough preparation of Japan's coaching staff for dead-ball situations.

After conceding the goal, North Korea's women's U20 team increased pressure, controlling most of the ball possession but could not penetrate the opponent's tight defensive line. According to AFC's analysis, this was a match where North Korea "completely controlled the game" but lacked sharpness in finishing, thereby paying the price with a minimal defeat.

This championship becomes even more meaningful when reviewing Coach Akira Ijiri's journey in Vietnam. During his six years of work (2019–2025), he contributed to elevating the youth women's national teams, leading Vietnam's women's U20 team to their first Asian finals appearance and securing the runner-up position at the 2023 Southeast Asian U19 championship. His continued success with Japan showcases the stature of an experienced strategist, while also leaving much regret for Vietnam's women's football, which once possessed such a high-quality coach.