The Japan Under-23 team sent a strong message to their Olympic opponents with a 4-1 friendly win over South Africa on Wednesday night at Matsumotodaira Stadium.

Despite allowing the visitors to take the lead after Masashi Kamekawa’s handball resulted in a free kick, Japan were soon able to equalise through a left-footed effort by Sho Nakajima. 

The FC Tokyo man scored his second goal soon after Shinya Yajima put the team into the lead for good in the 44th minute, giving Japan a 3-1 advantage at half time.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima starlet Takuma Asano added a fourth goal just three minutes into the second half, completing the rout for Makoto Teguramori’s men.

Japan’s squad for the upcoming tournament in Rio will be announced on July 1.