RFDL Japan tour matchday 2 concludes as Punjab FC, Bengaluru FC shine & FC Goa fall on penalties
Mixed fortunes for the Indian teams on the second day of the Japan tour
The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) Japan Tour 2026 witnessed an intense day of high-octane football as elite developmental squads from India went head-to-head against competitive Japanese J-League youth and regional setups, producing a mix of clinical displays, defensive masterclasses, and dramatic penalty shootouts.
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 2.
Punjab FC secure their second win in a row
In the standout performance of the day, Punjab FC delivered a stellar and disciplined performance to secure a decisive 3-1 victory over Giravanz Kitakyushu. Punjab FC were assertive from the off, monopolising early possession and taking the game directly to the Japanese side.
They fashioned numerous openings during the initial exchanges, with Omang almost breaking the deadlock when he got on the end of a clever assist from Konsam Sanathoi Singh, only to see his opening effort miss the target.
Punjab FC took absolute control of the pitch in the first half, heading into the break with a comfortable 2-0 cushion thanks to a brilliant 37th-minute strike by Omang Dodum.
They wasted no time extending their lead right after the interval with quick-fire goals from Vishal Yadav (46′) and Singamyam Shami (48′). Although Kitakyushu managed to pull one back through Haruto Jyo in the 62nd minute, Punjab’s robust defensive structure ensured they cruised to a comfortable victory.
Also Read: RFDL Japan tour matchday 1 concludes as Punjab FC & Bengaluru FC get positive results
Bengaluru FC beat Sagan Tosu to extend unbeaten run in Japan
Bengaluru FC continued their winning run in the RFDL Japan tour, with a convincing 2-0 victory over Sagan Tosu. The Blues’ fluid transitions and sharp finishing proved too formidable to contain as they asserted their dominance.
Two quick-fire goals in the second half from Samson Ahongshangbam and Serto Worneilen Kom ensured a comfortable victory for Renedy Singh’s side.
FC Goa suffer penalty shootout heartbreak against Avispa Fukuoka
In a highly tactical and closely fought battle at the GSA Stadium, FC Goa pushed a formidable Avispa Fukuoka side to their absolute limits, only to fall short in a tense penalty shootout. After a highly competitive, goalless first half, FC Goa broke the deadlock in the 56th minute with a superb finish from Shawn Fernandes.
The Gaurs defended heroically and looked poised to seal a historic victory, but a late surge from Avispa Fukuoka saw Kitazono Taikai find a dramatic equalizer in the 86th minute. With the score level at 1-1 at the end of normal time, the match went straight to penalties, where the Japanese side held their nerve to edge out a 5-4 shootout victory.
What happened on Matchday 2 of the RFDL Japan tour?
Punjab FC and Bengaluru FC registered victories, while FC Goa suffered a penalty shootout defeat after drawing 1-1 with Avispa Fukuoka.
Which teams won in the RFDL Japan tour matchday 2?
Bengaluru FC & Punjab FC managed to get victories in the second matchday.
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Rohit Mistri is a sports journalist from Kolkata with over two years of experience in the field. He has extensively covered Indian football, including major tournaments such as the Calcutta Football League and the Indian Super League. His work spans on-ground reporting, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling, along with interviews of prominent sporting personalities. Rohit brings strong communication skills and a deep passion for sports narratives to everything he writes.