Qualification for the Olympics
The young Leo Kokubo, Benfica's goalkeeper, helped Japan confirm their presence at the next edition of the Olympic Games, to be held in Paris. The 2-0 victory over Iraq on this Monday afternoon also allowed the country to reach the final of the Under-23 Asian Cup.
This achievement was celebrated through his social networks, where Kokubo left an enthusiastic message: «We all secured our tickets to Paris. And now we will fight for the victory in the final.»
Kokubo's season with Benfica
The Japanese player, who has been part of SL Benfica's squad since 2018 coming from Kashiwa Reysol, started the season as a starter for Benfica's reserves, but lost his starting position in the second half of the season to André Gomes. Even so, Kokubo has 17 matches played this season and has been regularly called up to the main team, although he has not yet made his debut.
The qualification for the final of the Under-23 Asian Cup was celebrated by some players from Benfica's main squad, such as David Neres, Morato and João Mário, with whom Kokubo usually trains. The 23-year-old goalkeeper, with a contract valid until June 2025, was a starter in 4 of the 5 games already played by Japan in the competition, not conceding goals in 3 of them - he was only beaten against Qatar, in the quarter-finals, where the Japanese won 4-2 after extra time.
