Japan women cap Asian Cup sweep

Japan defeated defending champions North Korea 1-0 to clinch the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup title at Thammasat Stadium in Bangkok on Saturday, completing a continental sweep after their senior side also lifted the Women’s Asian Cup last month.

Momoka Sano struck the decisive goal in the second half as Akira Ijiri’s side secured a record-extending seventh crown, leaving North Korea to rue missed chances after controlling large spells of the final.

Japan’s triumph capped a commanding run through the tournament. They beat India 6-0, Chinese Taipei 2-0 and Australia 5-2 in the group stage, before easing past Vietnam 4-0 in the quarterfinals and China 2-0 in the semi-finals.

The 12-team tournament in Thailand also featured Bangladesh, who were making their debut but exited at the group stage after three defeats, while hosts Thailand fell in the quarterfinals.

North Korea's Pak Ok-I became the top-scorer and her teammate Pak Ju-Gyong was adjudged the best goalkeeper. Japan's Noa Fukushima earned the Most Valuable Player award.

The top four sides -- Japan, North Korea, China and South Korea -- qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.