Yuzuki Yamamoto and Hana Takahashi both scored as Japan bagged their sixth title at this level on a night of high drama at the Chonburi Stadium.

Having seen his charges remain unbeaten throughout their campaign, a delighted Ikeda was quick to declare that his team’s tremendous teamwork had proved decisive en route to claiming the nation’s latest Continental crown.

Goals from Yuzuki Yamamoto and Hana Takahashi proved the difference on a night when Futoshi Ikeda’s side withstood intense late pressure to retain the Continental crown they won at the competition’s 2017 edition and, in the process, seal their nation’s sixth success at this level.

Both teams will now go on to represent Asia at next year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup – which Japan will enter as reigning champions – where they will be joined by Korea Republic who finished third after beating Australia 9-1 earlier in the day.

The Korea Republic forward edged Japan’s Yuzuki Yamamoto, who finished with five goals, and DPR Korea’s Kim Kyong-yong and Mary Fowler’s Australia - on four goals each.

Kang played a pivotal role for Korea Republic throughout their campaign when she took captain duties in the first game against China PR and scored two goals.

Kanno was a standout player throughout the tournament for Japan, who defeated DPR Korea 2-1 in the final at the Chonburi Stadium.

Despite having their title hopes dashed in the semi-finals, a commanding performance throughout saw Hur Jung-jae’s charges finish their Continental campaign in some style at the Chonburi Stadium.

Korea Republic’s success ensures they will join tournament finalists DPR Korea and Japan as Asia’s third representative at the 2020 global extravaganza in Nigeria.

A dominant display from start to finish saw Japan emerge victorious from a game which also guaranteed them a place at next year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup as they seek to defend the global title they claimed in 2018.

Despite their defeat, Australia, who were playing without suspended captain Karly Roestbakken, will have another chance to claim a World Cup berth when they face Korea Republic in a match that will decide Asia’s third representative in Nigeria.

Kim Kyong-yong’s brace laid the foundations for the impressive victory, one which sees the 2007 champions DPR Korea advance to their fifth successive title showdown at this level.

Korea Republic, meanwhile, remain in the running for a World Cup ticket as they will now face the losers of the other semi-final tie between Japan and Australia to battle it out for Asia’s third berth at the global extravaganza.