The East Asians’ dominance was at its peak between 1986 and 1999 when they won all seven continental titles in an era that included legends of the women’s game such as Sun Wen, Pu Wei and Gao Hong. 

China’s first success, on their competition debut, came after a 2-0 victory over Japan in the final and they would go on to make their mark on the global game throughout the 1990s.

 

Join the-AFC.com as we count down to Friday's kick-off with an in-depth look at the eight teams, starting with the Philippines.

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Back in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup for the first time since 2003, the Philippines will be looking to advance beyond the group stage, a feat never achieved before, and seal a spot at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Southeast Asians booked their place at the tournament after finishing second in their qualifying group behind Jordan, who were already guaranteed a place as hosts.

Hosting the tournament for the second time, Vietnam began with a 3-1 victory over Jordan after Nguyen Thi Muon’s opener was followed with a brace by Le Thu Thanh Huong.

Defeats to Japan and Australia ensued but their opening day victory meant the Southeast Asians had done enough to finish third in their group and book a fifth-place play-off game with Thailand for a berth at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.

Set to take part in their 12th successive continental competition, the East Asians booked their place after edging past neighbours DPR Korea in the qualification campaign in Pyongyang. 

After running out 10-0 winners over India in their opening game, Jang Sel-gi scored what would eventually prove to be a crucial equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw with hosts DPR Korea. 

Korea Republic then saw off Hong Kong 6-0 and Uzbekistan 4-0 to finish on top of the group by virtue of goal difference to confirm their passage to Jordan.

After a marathon preparation which has included matches and training camps throughout Asia, Europe and the United States, the host nation will begin their AFC Women’s Asian Cup campaign against the Philippines on Friday.

Since his appointment just under a year ago, head coach Michael Dickey has built on the lessons gathered at Jordan’s previous trip to the finals in 2014 to develop a strong squad with a finely-balanced mix of youth and experience.

The established attacking triumvirate of Maysa Jbarah, Stephanie Al-Naber and Shahnaz Jebreen contributed a staggering 28 goals in Jordan’s five qualifying matches, and remains key, but a cast of talented young players has also emerged.

Long before Japan became a global power of the women’s game, Asako Takakura established herself as one of it’s stars

After making her national team debut at the age 16, the Fukushima-native enjoyed stellar playing career, which included 79 international caps, 29 goals and two Nadeshiko League MVP awards at club level.

A coaching career beckoned and, starting in 2013, Takakura won the AFC U-16 Women’s Championship, FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and AFC U-19 Women’s Championship in successive years.

When Australia lined up to meet continental rivals Japan at the US-based Tournament of Nations last July, Sam Kerr took the field with a career tally of eight international goals since making her debut in 2009.

Kerr would go on to score a hat-trick that afternoon, marking the beginning of a record-breaking run in which she amassed 12 goals in her next seven international matches, in addition to dominant domestic performances in both the US and Australia.

With the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in her focus, Kerr spoke to the-AFC.com about her amazing rise, scoring in the final as teenager in 2010 and being drawn against mighty Japan in Group B.