AdvertisementAdvertisement21 Mar 2026 06:59PM (Updated: 21 Mar 2026 07:16PM) Bookmark Bookmark WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email LinkedInAdd CNA as a trusted source to help Google better understand and surface our content in search results.Read a summary of this article on FAST.Get bite-sized news via a newcards interface. Give it a try.Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FASTFAST SYDNEY, March 21 : Japan edged tournament hosts Australia 1-0 in the Women's Asian Cup final on Saturday to win the continental title for the third time in the last four editions and disappoint a record crowd of 74,357 at Stadium Australia.Maika Hamano scored the decisive goal in the 17th minute, turning five metres outside the box and firing the ball past diving Australia goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold and into the corner of the net. Australia's Matildas, Asian champions in 2010, gave as good as they got in a high-quality final and ultimately paid the price for their inability to convert the chances they created.Record goalscorer Sam Kerr was well shackled inside the penalty box and her fellow striker Caitlin Foord failed to make the most of a string of chances.Show MoreShow LessThe Nadeshiko were forced into desperate defence in the final 10 minutes as Australia, roared on by the largest crowd in Women's Asian Cup history, poured forward in search of an equaliser.Substitute Emily van Egmond had two shots blocked and Alanna Kennedy's header from Ellie Carpenter's cross was well saved by Japan goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita.Former world champions Japan, playing in their seventh Asian Cup final, held on to add another Asian title to their 2014 and 2018 triumphs. Source: ReutersNewsletterRecommended ReadSubscribe to CNA's Recommended ReadA single handpicked story that we think you shouldn't miss. Just one a day.Sign up for our newslettersGet our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inboxSubscribe hereGet the CNA appStay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best storiesDownload hereGet WhatsApp alertsJoin our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat appJoin hereAlso worth readingContent is loading...Expand to read the full storyGet bite-sized news via a newcards interface. Give it a try.Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FASTFAST