India, March 22 -- Maika Hamano's first-half strike propelled Japan to the Women's Asian Cup title with a 1-0 win over Australia on Saturday at Sydney's Stadium Australia.

The 21-year-old Hamano, on loan at Tottenham from Chelsea, took a pass from the left with her back to goal, turned and launched a powerful strike from outside the area in the 17th minute.

The Australians applied all the pressure in the last 10 minutes, pressing for an equaliser but were continually denied by Japan's defence, including Alanna Kennedy's close-range header with two minutes left in regulation.

Japan had beaten Australia in the finals to win back-to-back Women's Asian Cups in 2014 and 2018 and has now won the title three times in the last four continental...