The East Asians are currently second in the Group B standings, and head into the encounter knowing that a win would guarantee their progress and move them to within touching distance of a third Continental title and a place at next year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Nigeria.

Currently occupying third spot in the standings, Australia face their Southeast Asian counterparts knowing that only a win would see them join table-topping DPR Korea in the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship Thailand 2019 semi-finals.

On a night of high drama at the Chonburi Stadium, Oto Kanno’s sublime first-half effort and Yamamoto's third of goal of the tournament assured Japan of a top-two finish in Group B with one game – against China PR on Sunday – still to come.

Yao Mengjia gave China a slim lead going into the break, but Yang Qian’s brace subsequently settled the nerves as the former champions bounced back in style from their Matchday One defeat to Korea Republic.

Oto Kanno’s sublime first-half finish and Yuzuki Yamamoto's late strike proved the difference against a Korea Republic side who find themselves still in second spot despite China PR’s 5-1 win over Myanmar earlier in the day.

Reigning champions Japan will now head into Sunday’s meeting with China knowing that a draw would be enough to guarantee them top spot in the group as they seek a sixth Continental crown at this level.

China's last four hopes now depend on their final group tie against Japan on Sunday while Myanmar, who will play Korea Republic next, have no chance of advancing after two defeats.

Kang struck either side of the break to ensure a winning start for Hur Jung-jae’s charges as they overcame a resilient Chinese outfit in what turned out to be an enthralling all-East Asian affair.

The result leaves the Koreans occupying second spot in the Group B standings after table-topping Japan overcame Myanmar 5-0 earlier in the day.