Match Review: FC Nippon vs International Lions FC

• GK Takaki NAKAMURA
• DF Katsumi Oku
• DF Takahiro Yuki
• DF Gautam Butalia
• DF Osamu Akao
• DF Taku Nagaura
• MD Ryuhei IKEDA
• MD Jaume Ferrer
• ST Hiroki Saito
• ST Takuya Hagino
• ST Shoya Miyashita

• DF Shunsuke Shiraki
• DF Osamu Akao
• MD Ryohei Kanzaki
• MD Seiji TACHIBANA

2 wins in a row

Despite missing several key players due to injuries, FC NIPPON lined up in their usual 4-5-1 formation, with returning members stepping up to fill the gaps. First Half The match began as a tightly contested affair, with both teams testing each other in the opening minutes. International Lions relied on their wingers’ speed and technical ability, frequently pressing into FC NIPPON's territory. However, NIPPON’s disciplined defensive line held firm, denying any clear scoring opportunities. In the 15th minute, FC NIPPON broke the deadlock. A precise series of passes released Shoya into the space behind the defense. He calmly slotted the ball into the top-right corner, giving NIPPON the lead. NIPPON continued to create chances down the left flank, with Akao narrowly missing a volley from a well-delivered cross. Despite the pressure, the first half ended 1-0. Second Half The second half started with an early breakthrough for FC NIPPON. Saito pressed aggressively and won the ball from a defender, forcing a foul inside the penalty area. Jaume stepped up and converted the penalty with composure, extending the lead to 2-0. Midway through the half, a tactical substitution saw Akao reintroduced as a forward, replacing Shiraki. The move paid off immediately. Ike delivered a pinpoint cross from the left, and Akao rose unmarked to head the ball home, making it 3-0. The final goal came from star forward Hagi. Picking up a perfectly timed through ball from Ike, he drove into the penalty area, skillfully dribbled past a defender, and fired a clinical shot into the bottom-right corner, sealing a 4-0 victory. Conclusion International Lions struggled to respond to FC NIPPON’s dominance, and the match concluded with a clean sheet for the home team. This commanding performance against a strong opponent highlights NIPPON’s tactical discipline and attacking prowess.

• Sebastien Lafore GK
• Pablo Tougard DF
• Raynal Singh DF
• Adam Xu DF
• Loqmen Saf DF
• Amine Cherif MD
• Louis Chevallier Villas Boas MD
• Zeng Wu MD
• Karim Azzedine MD
• David Park ST
• Salvador Franko ST

• Nordine Talhi DF
• Ashwin Kalaichelvan ST
• Enzo Saha ST

Tough Defeat to Close Out 2024

With only 9 players available 1.5 hours before kickoff, International Lions managed a miraculous 11-player lineup just in time for the game. A big thanks to the International French School for providing six players from 16-17-year-old players to help us out. Despite ending the season with 37 injured players and 59 absentees, the Inter' Lions were determined to give their all. The first half was promising, with the team totally dominating possession. However, the visiting team capitalized on a counterattack to score the opening goal. Halftime: 0-1. The second half proved more challenging, as the opposition's freshness and our lack of opportunities began to show. The Japanese side continued to exploit counterattacks, adding three more goals to their tally. A heartfelt thank you to the young players who stepped in at the last minute and also those who joined in the second half to bolster the numbers despite some players who played with injuries... We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Amine, an incredible player, a remarkable man, and someone with an exemplary mindset. Safe travels back to France, the door will always be open for you at the Lions family... Best of luck to the Japanese team for the rest of their season. International Lions will be back stronger in 2025!