Teikyo High School triumphed over Kyoto Tachibana High School with a score of 2-1 in the opening match of the 2024 National High School Soccer Championship, held on December 28 at the National Stadium in Tokyo. This victory marks Teikyo's return to the championship after 15 years, demonstrating their resilience and strength as they aim for their first title since their six championships, tied for the most ever.
The match kicked off with excitement as Teikyo quickly made their presence felt. Just five minutes in, they earned a corner kick, which was taken by midfielder Mahiro Horie. Rabini Miran, standing at 180 cm, leapt high above the defenders and headed the ball securely past the goalkeeper to open the scoring. This early goal set the tone for the rest of the match and energized the Teikyo supporters packed in the stands.
Kyoto Tachibana, not to be outdone, quickly ramped up their pushes toward goal. The team, known for their strong defense led by captain Riku Miyaji, had entered the tournament after showing impressive form, having conceded only two goals through the qualifiers. Throughout the first half, both sides created numerous scoring opportunities. Teikyo's goalkeeper, Ai Ohashi, showcased his skills with remarkable saves, keeping their lead intact.
The second half saw Kyoto Tachibana stepping up their attack. They exhibited clever tactics, earning several corner kick opportunities and executing clever set plays. Despite their pressure, Teikyo's defense held firm. That was until the 73rd minute when Kyoto found the breakthrough they were searching for. A short corner kick setup saw Seiryu Kirihara head the ball home to level the match, sending their supporters wild with excitement.
Just when it seemed the match might drift toward extra time, Teikyo proved their mettle. Only two minutes later, they responded to Kyoto's equalizer with decisive intent. A scramble for possession near Kyoto's penalty area resulted in forward Shusei Miyamoto finding the ball. With ice-cold composure, he slotted it past the scrambling goalkeeper to regain the lead for Teikyo.
Kyoto Tachibana fought valiantly to find another equalizer, pouring forward with desperation as the match approached its conclusion. Yet, their attempts fell short, thanks to Teikyo's disciplined defense. The final whistle blew, confirming Teikyo's hard-fought victory. With this win, Teikyo progressed to the second round of the tournament, where they will face the winner of the match between Kagoshima Jousai and Kanazawa Gakuin. Teikyo's return to the national scene after so many years has set the stage for what could be a historic run.
This match not only emphasized the competitive spirit within high school sports but also reflected the potential of young athletes stepping onto the big stage. Teikyo now looks forward to continuing this momentum as they eye the championship once more.
