Celtic supporters will be keeping a close eye on Japan’s progress at the 2024 Asian Cup. Two Hoops players, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda, are in the squad for the Samurai Blue at the tournament.
Although The Bhoys remained on the bench for the match, it didn’t stop two Celtic fans from being in attendance for Japan’s opener against Vietnam on Sunday:
Two Celtic supporters were there in the match 🇯🇵v🇻🇳🍀@CelticFC @afcasiancup pic.twitter.com/z73EygL3ab
— Yatao (@yataoda4) January 14, 2024
In the end, Hajime Moriyasu’s men ran out deserved 4-2 winners courtesy of goals from Takumi Minamino, Keito Nakamura, and Ayase Ueda. Unfortunately for the supporters that went to the game, Hatate nor Maeda played any minutes.

Indeed, the duo spent the entire match on the bench, which is disappointing for both themselves and Celtic. Throughout the remainder of the tournament, however, the Bhoys will have other opportunities to make appearances, with Japan’s next match coming on Friday against Iraq.
Between now and then, Oh and Yang could be in action for South Korea. Their nation is due to take on Bahrain on Monday, and it will be hoped their services are utilised.