Nielsen hails brilliant Japan

Sat, 21 Mar, 2026

Nielsen hails brilliant Japan

Sydney: Japan’s resilience in the 1-0 win against Australia in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ final on Saturday won a special place in the heart of head coach Nils Nielsen.

Dominant in all their matches leading up to the final, the Nadeshiko had to dig deep to stop a buoyant home side backed by a record 74,397 partisan fans at Stadium Australia, much to the delight of the Danish tactician.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup.html/video/wac2026-|-final-japan-1-0-australia

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup.html/photo/wac2026-final-joy-tears

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3163774

Montemurro proud of valiant Australia

Sat, 21 Mar, 2026

Montemurro proud of valiant Australia

Sydney:  Disappointment of losing did not prevent Joe Montemurro from paying tribute to a remarkable performance from Australia in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ final on Saturday.

The head coach was proud that his side gave Japan the sternest examination the East Asian side faced in the competition as the Matildas fought right until the end in their 1-0 defeat at a packed Stadium Australia.

Joy for Japan; heartbreak for Australia

Sat, 21 Mar, 2026

Joy for Japan; heartbreak for Australia

Sydney:  A spectacular Maika Hamano strike sent Japan into seventh heaven as they defeated Australia 1-0 to win the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ final on Saturday.

The midfielder’s first half goal proved to be the decider in front of a record breaking crowd of 74,397 at an AFC Women’s Asian Cup match as the Nadeshiko were crowned Asian champions for the third time, following triumphs in 2014 and 2018 - also at Australia’s expense. 

Australia’s Kennedy named Most Valuable Player

Sat, 21 Mar, 2026

Australia’s Kennedy named Most Valuable Player

Sydney: Australia's Alanna Kennedy was crowned the Most Valuable Player of the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2026™ after producing eye-catching performances throughout the tournament.

Australia’s 1-0 defeat to Japan in the final on Saturday did not take away a standout campaign for the 31-year-old.

Japan's Ueki earns Top Goal Scorer accolade

Sat, 21 Mar, 2026

Japan's Ueki earns Top Goal Scorer accolade

Sydney: Riko Ueki emerged as the Top Goal Scorer of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, with the Japanese star finishing the tournament on six goals.

The West Ham United star produced a consistent campaign with her finishing helping power Japan to a third title following their 1-0 win against Australia in the final on Saturday.

Japan’s Yamashita scoops Best Goalkeeper award

Sat, 21 Mar, 2026

Japan’s Yamashita scoops Best Goalkeeper award

Sydney: Ayaka Yamashita was named the Best Goalkeeper after helping Japan win the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ title with a 1-0 win against Australia in the final on Saturday.

The Manchester City custodian earned her second continental honour, having also been part of the 2018 squad.