AFC Women's Asian Cup - Hamano: That was my kind of goal

Sydney: While many will consider Maika Hamano’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ title-winning goal as special, the forward knows it didn’t happen just by chance.

The 17th minute strike distinguished Japan from Australia in the final on Saturday, with the 21-year-old blasting home a swerving ball from the edge of the box that gave custodian Mackenzie Arnold no chance.

“I spent a lot of time watching other goals and from those that I liked, I would just train and practice how to strike the ball like what I watched,” said Hamano.

“That kind of shot is actually my favourite kind so when I got the ball, I knew I just had to go for it.

“My goal came early in the first half, it made me very happy and proud to have scored. It was a relief to get the opening goal but we all knew the match wasn’t going to end there.”

The home crowd at Stadium Australia roared the Matildas into action and for the first time in the tournament, Japan did not have the lion’s share of possession.

The Chelsea forward, however, said she thrives playing in pressure cooker situations and is looking forward to flying Asia’s flag high at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.

“It was a nice atmosphere. Thank you to everyone. I’m really proud of this team. For the World Cup, we have an opportunity to show our football but still we have so many things to fix. We will try to be better for the World Cup.”

Hamano: That was my kind of goal

Nielsen hails brilliant Japan

Montemurro proud of valiant Australia

Australia’s Kennedy named Most Valuable Player

Japan's Ueki earns Top Goal Scorer accolade

Japan’s Yamashita scoops Best Goalkeeper award