Holders Japan start campaign with 5-0 win over Myanmar

PUNE, Jan 21: Two-time defending champions Japan opened their defence in style with a 5-0 win against minnows Myanmar in the AFC Women's Asian Cup football championships at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi here on Friday.

Yui Hasegawa struck a brace of goals while Riko Ueki, Hikaru Naomoto and Yui Narumiya scored a goal apiece as Futoshi Ikeda's side cruised to victory with a dominant display.

Riko Ueki gave the Japanese the lead midway through the first half before goals by Yui Hasegawa and Hikaru Naomoto early in the second half gave the champions a comfortable cushion. Substitute Yui Narumiya hit the fourth and Hasegawa completed the rout in injury time.

Japan enjoyed 71.5 percent possession as compared to 28.5 percent by Myanmar. Futoshi's side took 38 shots of which 11 were on target. Myanmar could not take a single short at the Japanese goal.

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