Asian Cup final: Japan sink Australia to claim third title in front of tournament record crowd | OneFootball

On what was meant to be the night Australia’s golden generation etched their name in immortality, Maika Hamano tore the script up to seal the AFC Women’s Asian Cup for Japan.

A tournament that has smashed attendance records saw one final flourish as a tournament record 74,397 fans packed into Stadium Australia.

Japan came into the final as heavy favourites, having blitzed their way through the competition. Australia, on the other hand, had at times flattered to deceive, but were hopeful of the wall of green and gold pushing them over the line.

The Matildas started well and Sam Kerr forced Ayaka Yamashita into a smart stop with just two minutes on the clock.

Japan gradually seized the initiative and pinned Australia into their own half. However, chances did come for Joe Montemurro’s side. Caitlin Foord spurned a wonderful opening as she fired straight at Yamashita eleven minutes in.

Those missed chances took on greater significance when Hamano opened the scoring in stunning fashion. Some slick build-up on the Japanese left presented Hamano with the ball. The Chelsea star turned and unleashed a delightful effort from the edge of the box to stun the partisan crowd.

Foord had another chance just before the break, but, surrounded by blue shirts, she could only pull her shot wide of the post.  

Riko Ueki should’ve added a second, but she just could only head wide early into the second half. Moments later, she was denied by Mackenzie Arnold. The Australia goalkeeper stood tall to beat the ball away from close range after being threaded in by Hamano.

Recap the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup here

As precious seconds ticked away, Australia grew as an attacking force. Hayley Raso was denied by some brilliant last-ditch defending from Hiarku Kitagawa.

An almighty goalmouth scramble saw Emily van Egmond twice thwarted along with a follow-up from Foord. Alanna Kennedy’s header that Yamashita clung onto with everything she had was the final chance for Montemurro’s side.

The final whistle bought the Australian players to their knees as the victorious Japan side flooded the pitch. It was the third final in which Japan have triumphed over their Aussie counterparts, following on from 2014 and 2018. Those two previous finals were also settled by just a single goal.

For Nils Nielsen, it was time for a well earned beer — if he can find a place open late enough, that is…

Related articles from Her Football Hub: