Japan made it two wins from two matches at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a 1-0 victory over Mali that clinched the Samurai Blue a place in the knockout stages.

Former Tokyo Verdy and Gamba Osaka man Rihito Yamamoto, now with STVV in Belgium, scored the lone goal of the match and his second of the Games as he continues his star turn in France.

Japan did need to sweat out the three points, though, with Mali awarded a stoppage-time penalty kick that was dragged just wide of Leo Kokubo's goal.

It was a tight game throughout, with the two nations exchanging chances in the first half. Kashiwa Reysol's Mao Hosoya was particularly lively, creating four chances throughout the match, with none more important than in the 82nd minute.

Hosoya got the ball down the right flank and raced past a defender, putting the Mali defense on its heels. He looked up and found the streaking Kein Sato, who put a good shot on goal, but had it saved. That’s when Yamamoto pounced, out-running the Malian defense to the loose ball and banging it in for the winning goal.

With Mali unable to convert on their late spot kick, Yamamoto’s goal gave Japan six points, putting them three points clear atop Group D. They also have a nine-goal advantage on goal difference over second place Paraguay, putting the Samurai Blue in terrific position to win the group ahead of the finale against Israel as the march for gold continues.