Japan vs Venezuela: Ayase Ueda Scores Twice as Japan Win 2-1 in Friendly
Japan came from behind to defeat Venezuela 2-1 in an international friendly at Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima on September 28, 2026. Ayase Ueda scored both of Japan's goals after Kevin Kelsy had given Venezuela the lead early in the second half.
The match was part of Japan's September international schedule, with the Samurai Blue playing their second friendly of the window after a 3-1 victory over Uruguay on September 24.
Venezuela Take the Lead After Half-Time
The first half ended goalless, but the match changed quickly after the break.
Venezuela took the lead in the 46th minute through Kevin Kelsy. Japan then responded almost immediately, with Ueda equalising in the 49th minute after connecting with a cross from Junya Ito.
Japan continued to push for a second goal as the match progressed.
Ueda Completes Japan's Comeback
Ueda became the decisive player in the closing stages.
In the sixth minute of stoppage time, Japan were awarded a penalty. Ueda converted from the spot in the 90+6th minute, giving Japan a 2-1 lead and completing his two-goal performance.
The official Japan Football Association match record confirms the final score as Japan 2-1 Venezuela, with Ueda scoring in the 49th and 90+6th minutes and Kelsy scoring Venezuela's goal in the 46th minute.
Japan Make Major Changes to the Starting XI
Japan made extensive changes from the team that defeated Uruguay 3-1 four days earlier.
According to the Japan Football Association, 10 players were changed from the previous starting lineup, while four players made their senior international starting debuts.
Ueda, Ito and Takefusa Kubo were among the players introduced at half-time, and their arrival helped Japan change the momentum of the game.
Japan Continue Their September Run
The victory extended Japan's winning run in the September international window to two matches.
Japan had previously beaten Uruguay 3-1 on September 24. The Venezuela match then produced another comeback victory, giving Hajime Moriyasu's team a second consecutive win.
Japan's next scheduled men's national-team fixture is against Ecuador in the Kirin Cup Soccer 2026 on October 1 at the International Stadium Yokohama.
Japan vs Venezuela Result
Japan 2-1 Venezuela
46' — Kevin Kelsy: Venezuela 1-0
49' — Ayase Ueda: Japan 1-1
90+6' — Ayase Ueda (penalty): Japan 2-1
Japan therefore completed a second-half comeback in Hiroshima, while Venezuela's early advantage was not enough to secure a result.
Key Takeaway
Japan defeated Venezuela 2-1 after falling behind shortly after half-time. Ayase Ueda scored twice, including a 90+6th-minute penalty, to complete Japan's comeback at Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima.
