Japan won the Women’s Asian Cup for the third time in four editions, beating hosts Australia 1-0 in front of a record crowd of 74,357 at Stadium Australia on Saturday.
Maika Hamano scored the only goal of the game in the 17th minute, turning just outside the box and firing a composed finish into the corner past goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.
Australia gave everything in a high-quality final and had plenty of chances to level things up, but their inability to take them ultimately proved costly. Sam Kerr was well marshalled throughout, while Caitlin Foord spurned several good opportunities in front of goal.
Japan were pushed hard in the final ten minutes as the Matildas poured forward in search of an equaliser, roared on by the largest crowd in the tournament’s history. Substitute Emily van Egmond had two efforts blocked, and Alanna Kennedy’s header was well saved by Japan goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita.
Japan held on to claim a title they thoroughly deserved, having scored 29 goals and conceded just one across their six games in Australia.
It was heartbreak for the Matildas, who had been hoping to win a major trophy on home soil following their World Cup semi-final run three years ago.
