Japan girls reign in
Asian Under-19 football

Japan inscribed their name on the first Asian under-19 women's football trophy, brushing aside the challenge of Chinese Taipei 2-1 in the final at the Nehru stadium, in Margao, Goa, on Sunday.

Trailing by a goal at the breather, Japan came up strongly in the second half and restored the parity through Kanako Ito off well measured pass from Kana Watanabe in the 55th minute.

Inspired by the equaliser, they then attacked vigorously and came up with some splendid opportunities and increased their lead in the 70th minute through Shinobu Ohno, following a flag-kick taken by Yuka Miyazka 2-1.

Chinese Taipei, who had a major share of exchanges in the first half shot ahead in the 25th minute of the first half through Shin Jung Wu, who headed the ball perfectly into the net following a flag kick by Sho O Tseng.

Japan would have won the match by a much bigger margin had not Ayako Kitamoto's attempt crashed into the frame work and gone out.

Chinese Taipei were adjduged the 'Fair Play' team while Sho O Tseng was the highest scorer and most valuable player of the championship.

Earlier in the morning, China PR claimed the third place, defeating DPR Korea 4-1, after leading 3-1 at the breather. The goals for China came through Han Duan in the fourth and 90th minutes, Jiang Shuai in the 15th minute, and self goal by Korea's Kian Sunhai Mi, who instead of clearing the ball, headed into her own net in the 64th minute.

DPR Korea reduced the margin in the 17th minute of the first half through Jang Chol Ok.

Asian Women's under-19 Championships 2002 - The Complete Coverage