Japan defeated Australia 1-0 on FRI 20 APR 2018 to win the AFC Women’s Asian Cup for the second consecutive time. Kumi YOKOYAMA came off the bench to score the winning goal in the 84th minute.

The same two teams met in the 2014 Women’s Asian Cup final, also won by Japan 1-0. In Group B of this year’s tournament, they played to a 1-1 draw.

This year’s final opened with the Matildas on the front foot, Samantha KERR and Lisa DE VANNA forcing saves from Japan keeper Ayaka YAMASHITA in quick succession. Shortly thereafter, in the 15th minute, Australia went to the spot after a handball by Saki KUMAGAI, but Yamashita saved Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT’s shot with little difficulty.

Australia had more chances at goal in the second half but could not a way past Yamashita. Yokoyama entered for the Nadeshiko in the 72nd minute, and her strike from the top of the area twelve minutes later secured Japan’s second Asian title.

In the third place match, China PR defeated Thailand 3-1. LI Ying opened the scoring with her seventh goal of the tournament, easily earning her the Golden Boot. Japan’s Mana IWABUCHI was voted the tournament’s most valuable player.

All four teams, plus winners of the fifth place match Korea Rep, qualify for the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.