The match kicked off after a 15-minute rain delay with Urawa riding high from their 17-0 victory over India’s Odisha FC. Taichung, meanwhile, were in desperate need of a win following their 3-1 defeat to Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC.

As expected, AFC Women's Club Championship™ 2023 winners Urawa controlled the early stages, with Yoshino Maehara firing over the bar from a headed pass from Yu Endo. Miki Ito, who netted four goals against Odisha, came close to extending her tally but saw her effort rattle the post following a well-placed setup by Endo.

Taichung defended deep as Maehara saw her effort from inside the area blocked, while Wakaba Goto could not find the target when she shot wide off a corner.

The Japanese side continued to push forward but Raika Okamura, Goto, Hanae Shibata and Yu Endo all failed to find the target.

Taichung’s confidence grew in the later stages of the half with Chen Chin-wen threatening in the 42nd minute before Liu Chien-yun wasted their best chance in first half stoppage time after she curled her set-piece over the bar.

Urawa stayed on top of things at the start of the second half and their relentless pursuit of the breakthrough goal was finally rewarded after Shen Yen-chun brought down Goto inside the six-yard-box following a set-piece situation, with Shiokoshi converting the ensuing penalty in the 56th minute.

Taichung almost responded with the equaliser in the 67th minute after Liu Chien-yun played the ball brilliantly for Lin Jing-xuan but Goto did enough to force the midfielder’s effort wide.

Urawa, however, were not to be denied a second goal, Hanae Shibata lobbing a well-timed pass to Tanno, who struck with a low effort past Taichung keeper Tsai Ming-jung.

Urawa face Ho Chi Minh City on Saturday while Taichung will aim to bounce back when they meet Odisha.