Japan narrowly defeat hosts Australia to secure Women's Asian Cup

Maika Hamano netted the crucial goal in the 17th minute after spinning around five metres from the penalty area and blasting the ball beyond the diving Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold into the far corner.

Australias Matildas who claimed the Asian title back in 2010 put up a strong fight in an exciting final but ended up regretting their failure to finish the opportunities they produced.

Leading scorer Sam Kerr was effectively contained within the penalty area while her strike partner Caitlin Foord could not capitalise on multiple promising moments.

The Nadeshiko had to resort to frantic defending during the closing 10 minutes as Australia spurred on by the biggest attendance ever recorded at the Womens Asian Cup surged ahead looking for a leveller.

Coming off the bench Emily van Egmond saw both her efforts stopped while Alanna Kennedys header from Ellie Carpenters delivery was comfortably held by Japanese keeper Ayaka Yamashita.

Japan once world champions and appearing in their seventh Asian Cup final clung on to claim a further continental trophy following their successes in 2014 and 2018.