Saturday, January 22, 2022

Japan, Korea dispatch ASEAN opposition in Women's Asia Cup


Group C action took place on Friday with East Asian sides securing masterful victories against their respective ASEAN opponents in the AFC Women's Asian Cup in Pune, India.

Defending champions Japan kicked off their campaign with a 5-0 victory over Myanmar.

The Nadeshiko stamped their class early on with opportunities from Riko Ueki and Mina Tanaka, eventually breaking through in the 22nd minute, as Yui Hasegawa sending a cross towards Ueki's way with the latter heading it in at the edge of the six-yard box.

Japan had the chance to quickly double the lead, but May Zin Nwe blocked Tanaka's effort.

Hasegawa had her chance to get into the scoresheet later in the first half, but was denied by the crossbar. The West Ham Women midfielder finally scored early in the second half off an assist from Ueki.

Hikaru Naomoto netted the third goal of the game off her free kick in the 53rd minute, with fellow substitute Yui Narumiya making it 4-0 after seventy minutes.

Hasegawa completed the scoring for Japan in injury time, securing a brace by clipping one over Nwe.

In the other match in Group C saw Korea take advantage of a shorthanded Vietnamese side, 3-0.

Captain Ji So-yun secured the opening goal four minutes in, receiving a pass from Choe Yu-ri and converting the scoring opportunity.

The lead then doubled after an own goal from Tran Thi Phuong Thao three minutes later, heading the ball back into her own net trying to prevent Son Hwa-yeon from scoring.

Even with six players made unavailable coming into the match, the SEA Games gold medalists tried their best to mitigate the Korean advance. Vietnam would have their own scoring opportunity in the 38th minute off a set piece, but Pham Hai Yen was unable to get a handle off the free kick from Chuong Thi Kieu.

Korea almost netted a third goal in the second half, as Tran denied Choe from close range after the latter received the ball from Cho So-hyun.

The Taeguk Ladies finally secured their third goal off a handball in the 79th minute, which Ji coolly sent into the bottom left corner a couple of minutes later.

The East Asian teams swap ASEAN opponents on Monday, as Korea takes on Myanmar and Japan takes on Vietnam.

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