Vietnam-Japan U13 international teenager football tournament opens

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki expressed his hope that the junior football competition would greatly contribute to further developing the relationship between the two countries.

The tournament, which is the sixth of its kind, features a total of 12 teams, including six from Vietnam. Japan has sent a total of five teams to the tournament, namely Kawasaki Frontale Todoroki, Vegalta Sendai Junior Youth, Shimizu S-Pulse Mishima, Yokohama FC Tsurumi, and FC Tokyo.

FELDA Football Academy is the only representative from Malaysia competing. Immediately after the opening ceremony, hosts U13 Becamex Binh Duong FC gained a 1-0 victory over U13 Kawasaki Frontale FC.

The tournament is due to last through to December 15.

The junior football tournament was first held back in 2018 to mark 45 years of both nations' diplomatic ties.  It then took place annually between 2018 and 2020, featuring the participation of four Vietnamese and four Japanese teams.

However, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic the competition was subsequently cancelled in 2021.