A second string Japan side has overcome Yemen 2-1 in the opening Group A clash of Asian Cup qualifying. Midfielder Shinji Okazaki opened the scoring for the home side in the seventh minute at the KK Wing Stadium in Kumamoto but the goal was cancelled out two minutes after the re-start through Yemen's Zaher Farid.
Tatsuya Tanaka came to the rescue for Japan in the 66th minute to help kick off the 2011 Asian Cup qualification with three important points.
Japan coach Takeshi Okada was pleased with the outcome.
"Our players showed their strong willingness and high level of motivation for the game," Okada said.
"That made them lose their pace in the first-half at some points but because of their high motivation, they were able to produce a result.
"At the same time, I'm sure they have learned how hard it is to play an international game. On top of that, they have collected the win. I'm grateful to them."