Japan 10-2 Seychelles - Group A |05 May 2025

Takuya Akaguma of Japan celebrating his goal for Japan (PHOTO: FIFA.com)

Bibi makes history, but Japan gains victory to Quarter-Finals

Takuya Akaguma netted four goals to lead Japan past hosts Seychelles and into the quarter-finals of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup™.

Seychelles continued their trend of early fireworks, delighting the home crowd once again with a lively first period. After Japan’s Takaaki Oba opened the scoring with a stunning bicycle kick, 16-year-old Lienal Bibi ignited the Paradise Arena with a composed finish from a Remy De Ketelaere assist—making him the third-youngest scorer in tournament history.

Akaguma quickly regained the lead for Japan and later thrilled fans with a bicycle kick of his own. But Bibi wasn’t done, heading in a well-placed corner to notch his second of the night and keep Seychelles in the hunt.

Japan, however, stayed a step ahead thanks to Akaguma's relentless form, sealing their spot in the knockout stage and ending the hosts' spirited campaign.