Japan humbled a domestic-packed Egypt side 4-1 in the international friendly match at the Saitama Stadium on Wednesday. Yoshito Okubo scored twice in the first half to give the home side a two-goal cushion at half-time. Ryoichi Maeda and Akira Kaji made it four in the second half, while Egypt only goal was scored by Ismaili striker Mohamed Fadl. The African champions missed more than five key European-based players, in addition to Ahli players, who prepare for the CAF Champions League final next week. However, that's not an enough excuse for the Pharaohs as the Japanese team also excluded Euro stars for the friendly encounter. The first half was one-way traffic, and Vissel Kobe striker Okubo decoded the Japanese supremacy after 28 minutes with a long-range left-footed drive.
Abdul-Monsef prevented a more embarrasing score line Three minutes from the break, Okubo capitalized on some amateur marking by the Egyptians to double the lead with a free header. The second half did not witness a significant change in possession, as Japan remained in control for long spells. Maeda added a third nine after the break, steering home coolly past the hapless Mohamed Abdul-Monsef, who had a busy day deputizing Essam Al-Hadari. Egypt pulled one back five minutes later, after Hosni Abd-Rabou's free kick accidently hit Fadl, who claimed his second international goal in less than five days. The Japanese ensured their ascendancy with a fourth goal by Kaji, who brilliantly deceived Mohamed Hommos, before placing a fine low shot into the back of the net.
