Korea Republic, led by head coach Kim Hak-bum, defeated Japan 2-1 in extra time to claim their fifth gold medal, with Lee Seung-woo and Hwang Hee-chan scoring a goal apiece at the Pakan Sari Stadium in Cibinong.

"We earned a good result because of our players' hard-working effort," Kim said. "We want to thank our football fans for supporting us."

The defending champions beat Japan 2-1 after extra time with Lee Seung-woo and Hwang Hee-chan scoring the goals.

A late header from Ayase Ueda gave Korea Republic an almighty fright, but they survived a nervous last few moments to capture a record fifth Asian Games title.

Japan, fielding an U-21 squad in the U-23 tournament, did extremely well to force the final to extra-time as they showed great resilience to hold off their more experienced East Asian rivals for a greater part of a pulsating final at the Pakan Sari Stadium.

Korea Republic deserved the win, having dominated the final as they defended the gold medal won on home soil in the 2014 Games, but Japan produced a plucky performance which augurs well for their 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games preparations.

It was a highly anticipated final between two of Asia's biggest teams and the fans packed the Pakan Sari Stadium stands, having earlier witnessed the United Arab Emirates defeat Vietnam in a penalty shoot-out to claim the bronze.

Korea Republic, who had grown from strength to strength as the tournament progressed, were the quicker to settle as Japan struggled to get the ball.