Hamano nets stunner as trio set to face each other in Asian Cup final

Maika Hamano scored a stunning goal to inspire Japan to a 4-1 victory over South Korea on Wednesday morning to book a place in the Women’s Asian Cup Final and set up a mouth-watering tie with Clare Hunt’s Australia on Saturday.

Scoring 24 goals and conceding zero prior to the semi-final clash at Accor Stadium in Sydney, Japan were at their very best once again to progress as Maika and Toko Koga will compete in the showpiece event for the first time in their careers.

Toko and Maika, who scored in their group stage victory over India, both started and after Riko Ueki fired their nation into the lead on 15 minutes, our forward was on hand to double their advantage just 10 minutes later to give Japan a control of the proceedings in the first half.

Regaining possession on right after a deep cross, Maika works herself past two defenders before advancing into the box where she then fired a powerful right-footed effort into the roof of the net from a tight angle, grabbing her second goal of the tournament in three starts.

Saki Kumagai added a third for Japan on 75 minutes and, despite South Korea pulling a goal back three minutes later, Remina Chiba reinstated their three-goal advantage and secure their spot in the final.

Maika went on to complete 68 minutes before making way for Mina Tanaka, while Toko played a full shift at the back.

Our Japan duo will now face fellow Spur Clare and hosts Australia in the final in Sydney on Saturday.