Indian girls made it to the final of the ninth Asia Cup with a marvelous victory over fighting Japan 4-2 in the semifinal and will take on China in the Sunday final. Its India’s first Asia Cup final after 2009 where it lost to China 2-4 in the final.

India went on rampage in the first quarter. Gurjit Kaur converted India’s first penalty corner in the seventh minute set the Kawasaki turf on fire.

Two minutes later, Navjot Kaur tapped in a cross off Rani Rampal for the second lead. In the same minute, Gurjit Kaur added another one off a penalty corner (3-0).

Japan pressed hard in the second quarter. Japan spread the width, indulged in overheads and long scoops to bemuse Indian defence, which conceded two goals in the 17th minute by Shiho Tsuji and 28th minute (Yui Ishibashi) to make the score fight worthy, 3-2.

In the third quarter, India was on backfoot. Lalremsiami, who is playing her first tournament, connected a Navneets Kaur’s cross into D in the 38th minute, giving much relief to the ultimate winners.

“This is a single touch goal”, am excited, said Chief Coach Harendra Singh.

“We have done many, many such goals in the tournament which is a good sign”, he added.

Thereafter, it was a story of Japan press and Indian defence. Despite conceding three PCs in the last spell, India walked away with 4-2 win.

Sushila Chanu once cleared a ball on the goalline, before Deep Grace Ekka and Sunita Lakra managed to block goal shots from close quarters.

Last time India reached the Asia Cup final was in 2009 under coach MK Kaushik. India lost to China 2-4 in the final.

Monika was declared Best Player for her defense and attacking game

India-Japan at Women’s Asia Cup

1989: Japan won 6-2
1993: India won 1-0
1999: Draw 2-2
2004: India won 1-0
2017: India won 4-2

INDIA AND JAPAN MET IN ASIA CUP AFTER 13 YEARS