Japan break Chinese Taipei resistance after half-time

Japan began their Women’s Asian Cup campaign with a 2-0 win against Chinese Taipei in Perth. Momoko Tanikawa and Kiko Seike scored during the second half after the opponents’ deep defensive shape had kept the match level through the opening period.

Japan created several chances before the interval, with Tanikawa striking a post and goalkeeper Wang Yu-Ting making important interventions. Chinese Taipei maintained five players in defence and frustrated the two-time champions despite spending lengthy spells without the ball.

Hana Takahashi’s cross finally found Tanikawa, who controlled, turned and finished to put Japan ahead. Seike later headed in Remina Chiba’s delivery during stoppage time, completing the victory before Japan’s next Group C match against India and Chinese Taipei’s meeting with Vietnam.