Takefusa Kubo came off the bench and set up Ritsu Doan's winner as Japan came from behind to defeat South Africa 2-1 on Sunday in its Group D opener at the Under-20 World Cup.

Grant Margeman handed South Africa the lead in the seventh minute, but Koki Ogawa leveled three minutes after the break, and the 59th-minute introduction of the 15-year-old Kubo had a telling impact.

After setting up Ogawa with a glorious chance with his first play — saved well by onrushing South Africa goalkeeper Mondli Mpoto outside the box, Kubo played his part for Japan's second goal in the 72nd minute after receiving the ball from Doan and cutting it back for the Gamba Osaka midfielder to sweep home.