Maeda's Japan Face New Zealand in Kirin Cup Final
Monday, 5th Oct 2026 10:20
Blues forward Daizen Maeda’s Japan face New Zealand, who have on-loan Town keeper Henry Gray in their squad, in the final of the Kirin Cup in Tokyo this morning (KO 11.30am).
Maeda netted the winning penalty which saw the Japanese overcome Ecuador 5-4 in a shootout following a 0-0 draw to secure his side’s place in the final, the former Celtic man having come off the bench to win his 32nd cap.
Gray, who won his first All Whites senior cap earlier in the international window, wasn’t involved in his side’s semi-final in which they beat Panama 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
The keeper, who is with Wellington Phoenix for the season, is again likely to be an unused sub today.
Photo: Kyodo via Reuters Connect
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