Japan beats Taiwan 2-0 in the Women’s Asian Cup Group C opener

PERTH: (Mar 4) (AP) Momoko Tanikawa and Kiko Seike scored second-half goals as Japan overcame the heat and a determined Taiwan defense on Wednesday to open Group C with a 2-0 win at the Women’s Asian Cup.

Japan won back-to-back titles in 2014 and ’18 and entered the tournament in Australia among the favorites.

After failing to finish multiple chances in the first hour, Japan finally opened the scoring when Momoko Tanikawa controlled Hana Takahashi’s long, lofted pass, steadied and finished with a neat right-foot shot from close range in the 61st minute.