Japan overcame South Korea 4-1 to set up an AFC Women’s Asian Cup Final clash with tournament hosts Australia.
Dominating in the first half but having two goals disallowed, Japan still went into the break two goals up, while the Koreans lost two players to injury.
Riko Ueki opened the scoring from a pass by Fuka Nagano, and after getting away from two defenders, Maika Hamano slammed the ball into the roof of the net from a tight angle.
Saki Kumagai’s header put Japan three goals up on 75 minutes, and although Kang Chae-Rim quickly replied with a shot on the turn past Ayaka Yamashita, Ramina Chiba drilled the ball home from just inside the box for a 4-1 lead.
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Final: Saturday 21 March – Australia v Japan (9am GMT)
Play-in matches for World Cup and inter-confederation play-offs:
Thursday 19 March – Uzbekistan v Philippines (3am GMT)
North Korea v Chinese Taipei (9am GMT)
All streamed live at www.youtube.com/@AFCAsianCup
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