Two-time and defending champions Japan made a winning start to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 on Friday. They defeated Myanmar 5-0 in Group C match at Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Pune.
Riko Ueki (22’) gave the Japanese the lead midway through the first half while strikes early in the second half from Yui Hasegawa (47’) and Hikaru Naomoto (52’) gave the champions a comfortable lead. Substitute Yui Narumiya (70’) hit the fourth before Hasegawa (90+2’) scored her second and team’s fifth goal of the match to ensure a comfortable win.
The win puts Japan in a strong position in Group C ahead of their next game, against Vietnam on Monday, while Myanmar next face Korea Republic.
Picture Courtesy: AFC Media
