Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Roberto Mancini, the head coach of the Saudi national team, has called on his players to keep their focus on the journey ahead after Saudi Arabia’s 2-0 defeat to Japan in their AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 Group C match on Thursday.

The loss allowed Japan to open a five-point lead at the top of the standings after only three matches, with Mancini acknowledging that Saudi Arabia now faces a direct battle with Australia for second place in the group, which will also offer automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“We didn’t create many chances, and we should have done better,” Mancini said. “We knew Japan were strong contenders to top the group, and now we will focus on competing with Australia for second place."

Mancini highlighted a decline in his team's fitness towards the end of the match. “After the 70th minute, our fitness levels dropped. We aimed to play on the counterattack, but it backfired. I think we lost our focus towards the end.”

Japan took an early lead with a goal from Daichi Kamada in the 14th minute, while substitute Koki Ogawa secured the win with a header in the 81st minute. The victory was Japan’s third consecutive win, leaving Saudi Arabia with four points.

Despite Saudi Arabia’s previous successes against Japan in Jeddah, Mancini urged his players not to dwell on the past. “We can’t live in the past. The important thing is to qualify, regardless of rankings. Three years ago, the situation was different – maybe the players were younger or more active. Now, we have to adapt to the present circumstances.”

Saudi Arabia will face Bahrain in Jeddah on Tuesday, while Japan will look to further tighten their grip on Group C when they host Australia in Saitama. Japan’s head coach, Hajime Moriyasu, commended his team for sticking to the game plan and executing it well in their latest victory.