Japan's players celebrate scoring during the AFC Women's Asian Cup Finals match against Australia in Amman, Jordan, on April 20, 2018. Japan claimed the title by defeating Australia with 1-0.(Xinhua/Lin Xiaowei)
AMMAN, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Japan retained the AFC Women's Asian Cup title here on Friday, beating Australia 1-0 in the final.
Substitute Kumi Yokoyama scored the winning goal in the 84th minute.
Japan became the first team to win back-to-back Asian titles since DPR Korea in 2003. It was also their third major trophy in seven years, and their first under the head coach Asako Takakura.
Australia squandered many brilliant chances, including missing penalty in the 14th minute by midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight.
On the same day, China concluded their tour of the tournament in style after a 3-1 win over Thailand in the play-off for the third place.
China's Li Ying became top scorer of the tournament with seven goals.
China head coach Sigurdur Ragnar Eyjolfsson from Iceland said: "I am very happy with our win. I thought we had to be very patient during the first half, but I thought we dominated the game for long periods and were able to score three goals after the break."
"Overall, we have had five games and four wins, so it has been a very good tournament for us and we are delighted to go back having finished third. We want to get closer to the top teams in Asia which will take some time, but we aim to get there," Eyjolfsson said.
