Japanese midfielder Ryota Morioka celebrated his recall to the national team with his seventh goal of the season in Waasland-Beveren's 2-0 win at home to Mouscron in the Belgian first division on Saturday.

Morioka, who has been picked by Japan boss Vahid Halilhodzic for upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, capitalized on slack marking to get in front of goal and head home a cross from Erdin Demir to open the scoring on 25 minutes.

Nana Ampomah scored the second goal in the 61st minute to wrap up victory at Freethielstadion.

"Scoring the opening goal is always important, whatever match you are playing in," said the 26-year-old Morioka, who joined Waasland-Beveren in June after a spell with Polish club Slask Wroclaw.

Morioka played for Japan under former coach Javier Aguirre in 2014 but has been selected for the first time by Halilhodzic. He was in the side that was hammered 4-0 in friendly against Brazil three years ago.

"I moved to Belgium to step up a level and I have delivered results so that's why I am back in the national team picture," said former Vissel Kobe man Morioka.

"For me this is an opportunity to clearly show (Halilhodzic) what I am capable of."

Japan play five-time world champions Brazil in Lille, France on Friday and then take on Belgium on in Bruges on Nov. 14.