RFDL Japan tour matchday 1 concludes as Punjab FC & Bengaluru FC get positive results
Punjab FC, FC Goa & Bengaluru FC are a part of the RFDL Japan tour 2026
The top 3 teams from the RFDL 2025-26 campaign, FC Goa, Bengaluru FC and Punjab FC played their first match of the Japan tour today on 14th July, Tuesday.
The Gaurs took on Sagan Tosu at 11:30 am IST, followed by Bengaluru FC and Punjab FC taking on Giravanz Kitakyushu and Avispa Fukuoka respectively at 12:30 pm IST.
The RFDL sides, FC Goa, Bengaluru FC & Punjab FC played their U-21 sides while the Japanese teams fielded their U-18 sides against the Indian teams.
In this article we take a look at the results of the RFDL Japan tour matchday 1.
A close encounter for FC Goa
The FC Goa U-21 team played their first match of the Japan tour against Sagan Tosu U-18 at 11:30 am IST.
Despite playing a lower age bracket team, the FC Goa side lost a close encounter against the Japanese youth side, Sagan Tosu with a scoreline of 1-0.
The Japanese side, Sagan Tosu took the lead very early in the first half at the 6th minute when Zenryu Ono scored the solitary winning goal for them.
The Gaurs failed to get a positive result out of this encounter but will now keep an eye out for the upcoming fixtures and gear for the challenge of Avispa Fukuoka whom they face on 17th July on the matchday 2.
A late winner for Bengaluru FC
The second game of the matchday 1 kicked off at 12:30 pm IST, when Bengaluru FC U-21 took on Giravanz Kitakyushu U-18.
This was a 5 goals thriller which went on till the 90th minute to find the winner. The Japanese side, Giravanz Kitakyushu took the lead heading into the half time break when Ryunosuke Imai scored the first goal of the game in the 40th minute, this led to the scoreline in favour of the Japanese side heading into the break.
In the second half, the Bengaluru FC side showed intent and scored the equalizer in the 61st minute as Rakshit found the back of the net for the Blues.
However, things were getting more intense as the Japanese side took the lead back in the 69th minute courtesy of an own goal from Samson. But within 6 minutes at 75th minute, Serto Worneilen Kom found the back of the net and got the Blues right back in the game.
With the game heading for a draw, at the 90th minute mark, a beautiful cross from the left flank found super sub Md Arbash who scored the winning goal for Bengaluru FC as they completed a Remontada on the Japanese side winning it 3-2 at the end.
One-sided domination from Punjab FC
The third and final of the matchday 1 took place between Punjab FC U-21 and Avispa Fukuoka U-18 and it was a worthy climax to the first matchday.
Punjab FC dominated the game throughout scoring 5 goals in the game and completely outplayed their Japanese opponent.
The Shers headed into the half time break with a comfortable 3-0 lead and continued their dominance in the second half with two more goals making it 5-0 at the full time.
Singamayum Shami managed to score a brace meanwhile Omang Dodum, Ngarin Shaiza and Vishal Yadav also added one goal to their name.
After the game ended, the Punjab FC coach Pravin Kumar shared his views on the game highlighting the way to move ahead.
Pravin Kumar said, “It was a good game, the opponent was very good. Hard luck to them as they couldn’t convert their chances, but it was a great fight from them. At the same time our boys also showed their character and played the way our club wants to play following the philosophy keeping the possession of the ball and it went well.”
“Everything went well according to the plan, we wanted to keep the ball and play with it, and I think that’s what modern football is all about and we were able to do what we practiced.”
Punjab FC head coach on Japan’s weather, “We came two days earlier so I think the boys fit in well and at the same time the weather here is similar to what we have in Punjab, so the boys were not struggling.”
“We are here to enjoy and give exposure to our players so that they can decide in tough situations. Thanks to RFDL and Punjab FC for giving us the opportunity and I would like my players to enjoy how they play and then we will see how we have to adapt.” he further added.
Which teams won in the RFDL Japan tour matchday 1?
Bengaluru FC & Punjab FC managed to get victories in the first matchday.
When will the second matchday take place of the Japan tour?
The second matchday is scheduled to place on 17th July.
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Ayushman Sharma is a sports enthusiast with a deep love for football, following the game closely since 2018. A hardcore supporter of NorthEast United FC and FC Barcelona, he has also gained valuable on-ground experience by volunteering during FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Guwahati.