March 21, New Delhi — Japan defeated tournament hosts Australia 1-0 in the Women's Asian Cup final to win the continental title for the third time in the last four editions.
Maika Hamano scored the decisive goal in the 17th minute, taking the ball five meters outside the box and firing it past Australia goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.
The 2010 Asian champions, Australia, put up a strong fight in a high-quality final, but ultimately paid the price for their inability to convert the chances they created.
Former world champions Japan, playing in their seventh Asian Cup final, secured another Asian title, adding to their 2014 and 2018 victories.