Hamano on target as Japan enjoy perfect group stage in Asian Cup

Maika Hamano grabbed her first goal of the Asian Cup to help Japan make it three wins out of three in the group stage with a 4-0 win over Vietnam on Tuesday morning.

Having already secured their spot in the knockout stages of the competition after winning their first two games of the group phase, Japan claimed the top spot of Group C in style and sets up a quarter-final with the Philippines on Sunday 15 March.

Maika returned to the starting XI and, in the second half of the clash at HBF Park in Perth, the young forward was on target to double her nation’s lead just six minutes after the restart.

Following a slick move by Japan in the build-up, a low ball was played across Vietnam’s box and Maika was there to slot home – netting her first-ever goal in this competition – before Aoba Fujino and Kiko Seike wrapped up the scoring and ensured a 100 per cent record in the group stage.

Maika went on to complete 63 minutes before being replaced by Seike, while defender Toko Koga was introduced at the break and played the whole second half to help Japan preserve a clean sheet.

Clare Hunt and Australia have also learnt their quarter-final opponents after the completion of the group stage, where they will face North Korea on Friday 13 March (kick-off 10am UK).