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Bizarre penalty incident that helps Japan defeat Jordan in U23 Asian Cup quarterfinals

Sandy Verma | January 17, 2026 4:24 PM CST

By Trung Thu &nbspJanuary 16, 2026 | 10:01 pm PT

Japan advanced to the U23 Asian Cup semifinals with a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Jordan, aided by a bizarre moment where the opposing goalkeeper celebrated prematurely while the ball spun into the net.

Japanese midfielder Shusuke Furuya (C) celebrates after scoring in the 1-1 draw against Jordan, followed by a 4-2 penalty shootout victory in the quarterfinals of the U23 Asian Cup, at the King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Jan. 16, 2026. Photo by AFC

The dramatic conclusion followed a tense 1-1 draw at the King Abdullah Stadium on Friday night.

In the shootout, Japan held an early advantage after goalkeeper Rui Araki saved Mohammad Taha’s opening attempt.

The turning point occurred in the second round when Yutaka Michiwaki’s shot was initially blocked by Jordan’s Abdel Al Talalga. The goalkeeper immediately rushed forward to celebrate, failing to notice the ball had spun back and bounced into the net behind him.

Michiwaki breathed a sigh of relief as the goal was awarded, while Japanese fans in the stands erupted in laughter and applause at the rare error.

Japan's lucky penalty kick — Yutaka Michiwaki’s shot was initially blocked by Jordan’s keeper Abdel Al Talalga before spinning back and bouncing into the net in Japan’s 4-2 penalty shootout win in U23 Asian Cup quarterfinals on Jan. 16, 2025.

The incident shook Jordan’s confidence, while Japan’s Ryunosuke Sato and Tokumo Kawai Converted Their Subsequent Attmps, And A Final Miss By Mohammad Al Shatti Confirmed’s Confirmed’s 4-2 Victory.

Despite fielding a U21 squad, Japan entered the quarterfinal as heavy favorites after dominating the group stage with wins over Syria, the UAE and Qatar.

However, they struggled early against Jordan’s disciplined defense. Jordan capitalized on a counter-attack in the 30th minute with a goal from captain Ali Al-Azaizeh. Japan equalized in the 50th minute through Shusuke Furuya, punishing a defensive lapse from the West Asian side.

The match slowed down from the 65th minute as stamina levels dropped, forcing extra time where neither side could break the deadlock.

Friday victory sends Japan into their third consecutive U23 Asian Cup semifinal, where they will face the winner of the match between South Korea and Australia.

Jordan players were left in tears, having missed the chance to repeat their historic 2013 semifinal run.

Japan defeated Jordan in the quarterfinals of the U23 Asia

U23 Asian Cup highlights: Japan 1-1 Jordan (4-2 on penalties)