Algeria slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Japan in their opening match at the Maurice Revello Tournament , also known as the Toulon Tournament, on Tuesday despite having the majority of opportunities in the match. 17-year-old Japanese starlet Sota Kitano scored the match’s only goal in the 57th minute to cap off a disappointing day for the Algerian team, who had over twenty shot attempts but failed to convert any of them against a resilient Japanese side.
The African side nearly took the lead on nine minutes when a lofted ball over the top found Montpellier striker Yanis Guermouche, who held off a Japanese defender before having his shot well saved by Japan keeper Ryoya Kimura. Kimura was back in action soon after when a giveaway opened up a shooting opportunity for Mohamed Belkhir but a last ditch challenge prevented him from putting his effort on target.
Kimura was spectacular throughout for Japan, later on in the first half denying a point blank shot from Guermouche after he was set up by a low cross. A brilliant kick save from Kimura denied Adil Boulbina as the chances continued to flow freely for the Algerians. Algerian keeper Radeouane Maachou was finally called into action on nineteen minutes when he did well to fend off a strong effort inside the penalty area.
Japan found their shock winner early into the second half when Algeria failed to deal with a bouncing header from the midfield towards their goal. The ball fell kindly for Kitano and he made no mistake beating Maachou with a calm finish. Japan are in first place in Group C while Algeria still have matches against Colombia and Comoros to play. Comoros defeated Colombia in a penalty kick shootout on Tuesday after drawing 1-1 during normal time, giving them two points while Colombia earn one for the draw in normal time.
Highlights of the Algeria match are below followed by the penalty kick shootout from Comoros against Colombia.
Algeria 0-1 Japan Highlights
Comoros 1-1 Colombia: Comoros wins in penalty kick shootout
