Japan are ranked 119 places ahead of the visitors and Okada has decided to rest regulars Yasuhito Endo, Keiji Tamada and Yuji Nakazawa for the Group A encounter, while defender Marcus Tulio Tanaka is struggling with a leg injury.

Kawasaki Frontale'sShuhei Terada and Kazumichi Takagi of Gamba Osaka are therefore expected to line up in defence, while Frontale's Kengo Nakamura will anchor the midfield. Tatsuya Tanaka starts up front alongside youngsters Shinzo Koroki and Mu Kanazaki.

Despite what appears to be a mis-match on paper, Okada underlined Yemen were still a threat to be taken seriously.

"Yemen should be in good shape having played in the Gulf Cup recently. They have good individual skills, are strong physically and good on the counter. It won't be an easy game," the 52-year-old said.

"But we'd like to produce a good result with these players. To win this game, I will find the best way to use the best available players.

"If they can make the most of their opportunity given, that will be a big plus for our squad."

Yemen coach Sami Hasan Saleh Al-Nash was only installed last week during the Gulf Cup and admitted he faces a daunting task in just the second game of his second spell in charge.

"It'll be a very hard game," he said.

"Japan are one of the top sides in Asia. They are a strong side who play as a team."

Yemen have included three 18-year-olds in their squad and Al-Nash insisted tomorrow night's encounter will stand them in good stead for the future regardless of the outcome.

"We have some good younger players who have good potential," he added.

"We couldn't do well in the Gulf Cup but it was a good experience for our players, as this tournament will be."