Venezuela forward Kevin Kelsy scores against Japan in 1-1 Kirin Challenge Cup clash
Venezuela striker Kevin Kelsy broke the deadlock against Japan in an international friendly on Monday (28) at Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima. The forward converted a precise left-footed strike from inside the penalty box within the opening minute of the second half. The home team answered shortly afterward to level the score at 1-1, keeping the match in progress during a competitive second half.
The Venezuelan breakthrough came after a coordinated delivery from Luís Balbo in the 46th minute, ending a scoreless opening period. That lead proved brief, as Japanese centre-forward Ayase Ueda struck from close range with his right foot in the 49th minute following a service from Junya Ito in the Kirin Challenge Cup 2026 fixture.
Tactical shifts by Hajime Moriyasu trigger quick exchange of goals
Following a tightly contested first half that ended scoreless after two minutes of stoppage time, Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu overhauled his lineup at the interval. The Japanese coach brought on goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, midfielder Ao Tanaka, attackers Junya Ito and Takefusa Kubo, alongside Ayase Ueda in a five-man substitution. While the changes aimed to increase offensive sharpness, Venezuela struck on a rapid transition when Luís Balbo delivered a cross to find Kevin Jesús Kelsy Genez clear in front of goal.
🚨 Kevin Kelsy scores. Assist by Luis Balbo
— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) September 28, 2026
🇯🇵 Japan 0-1 Venezuela 🇻🇪
pic.twitter.com/ZtBwTDExMh
The response from the host nation came immediately before the 28,520 spectators present at the stadium. In the 49th minute, Junya Ito drove forward and picked out Ayase Ueda, who finished firmly past goalkeeper José Contreras. The goal underscored the efficiency of the LOSC Lille attacker and neutralized the early lead earned by the South American team.
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Key match events unfold across both halves in Hiroshima
- 8th minute of the first half — Satoshi Tanaka entered the midfield for Japan after an early injury forced Kenta Kumasaka off the pitch.
- 47th minute of the first half — Christian Makoun saw a close-range left-footed attempt blocked during Venezuela’s final attack before the interval.
- 46th minute of the second half — Kevin Kelsy opened the scoring for Venezuela with a low left-footed finish following a pass by Luís Balbo.
- 46th minute of the second half — Japan brought on Zion Suzuki, Ao Tanaka, Junya Ito, Takefusa Kubo, and Ayase Ueda in a five-man halftime substitution.
- 49th minute of the second half — Ayase Ueda leveled the match for Japan with a first-time right-footed strike off Junya Ito’s assist.
Oswaldo Vizcarrondo reshapes the Venezuelan roster on Asian soil
Starting Kevin Kelsy in attack reflects an intentional generational transition led by head coach Oswaldo Vizcarrondo. The Venezuelan technical staff chose to navigate the Asian tour without veteran figures Salomón Rondón, Yeferson Soteldo, and Jefferson Savarino. The plan prioritizes game time for emerging talents against higher-ranked international opponents.
The forward’s international performance arrives alongside a major transfer in his club career. Kelsy completed a move from Major League Soccer side Portland Timbers to Scottish Premiership club Rangers FC in a deal valued at 13 million dollars. His goal in Hiroshima solidifies his standing as a central figure in the tactical structure designed by the national team staff.
“This is an opportunity to test our younger players and build for the future,” said head coach Oswaldo Vizcarrondo regarding the squad changes. Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu had expressed similar determination ahead of the fixture: “We are confident and focused on continuing our strong performances at home,” the coach noted following four consecutive friendly victories for his team.
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Match schedule and recent results for both national squads
- September 2026 — Japan defeated Uruguay 3-1 in an international friendly preceding the match in Hiroshima.
- September 2026 — Kevin Kelsy completed his transfer from Portland Timbers to Rangers FC for 13 million dollars.
- September 28, 2026 — Japan and Venezuela kicked off at Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima at 07:25 Brasilia time (19:25 local time).
- October 2, 2026 — Venezuela face South Korea in another international friendly scheduled for 08:00 Brasilia time.
Lineups and match details at Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima
- Competition: Kirin Challenge Cup 2026 (international friendly)
- Date and time: Monday, September 28, 2026, at 07:25 Brasilia time (19:25 local time)
- Venue: Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
- Stadium capacity: 28,520 spectators
- Japan starting lineup: Léo Kokubo; Teppei Watanabe, Ayumu Seko, Jun Suzuki; Shunsuke Nakano, Kenta Kumasaka, Daichi Kamada, Yuki Soma; Ryunosuke Sato, Shunsuke Saito, Keisuke Goto; manager: Hajime Moriyasu
- Venezuela starting lineup: José Contreras; Yordan Osorio, Nahuel Ferraresi, Christian Makoun; Jon Aramburu, Maurice Cova Libra, Yangel Herrera, Luís Balbo; Daniel Pereira; Kevin Kelsy, Brayan Castillo; manager: Oswaldo Vizcarrondo
The final outcome of the meeting remains open as play continues through the second half with the score standing at 1-1. Both squads continue to seek opportunities to break the tie before the final whistle.
Following the conclusion of the match in Hiroshima, Venezuela will travel directly to South Korea for their upcoming friendly on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 08:00 Brasilia time. That fixture will conclude the team’s scheduled commitments on their international tour.
