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Japan entertained Egypt in the AFC Asia-Africa Challenge Cup at the Nagai Stadium in Osaka on Wednesday. Japan coach Ivica Osim saw his side take the lead when Yoshito Okubo scored his first goal for his country in the 20th minute. The 25-year-old Vissel Kobe striker put the home side 2-0 ahead just before half time when he headed in a cross from Osaka midfielder Yasuhito Endo. The 2004 Asian Cup champions went 3-0 ahead on 53 minutes through Jubilo Iwata striker Ryoichi Maeda for what was also his first goal for his country after he exchanged passes with Satoru Yamagishi before finishing from close range. The five-times CAF Africa Cup of Nations champions, who were playing without many of their top players, managed to pull a goal back moments later when midfielder Hosni Abdrabo hit a free kick from outside the area. The ball struck forward Mohamed Fadl's face and went in. Any hint of a comeback was dashed in the 67th minute as Yuichi Komano crossed for Akira Kaji to score and Japan ran out comfortable 4-1 winners.   <저작권자(c)연합뉴스.무단전재-재배포금지> Japan beat an under-strength Egypt 4-1