Bahrain will meet Jordan in Saturday’s semi-finals, while high-flying Lebanon will lock horns with Palestine after recording another commanding win to top Group A.

The win means both Palestine and Bahrain have secured semi-final berths, while Lebanon and Jordan boosted their prospects with wins over UAE and Iraq respectively.

Lebanon and United Arab Emirates also found their range in front of goal, picking up strong day one victories over Jordan and Iraq respectively in the seven-team tournament.

Goals from Yuzuki Yamamoto and Hana Takahashi proved the difference on a night when Futoshi Ikeda’s side withstood intense late pressure to retain the Continental crown they won at the competition’s 2017 edition and, in the process, seal their nation’s sixth success at this level.

Both teams will now go on to represent Asia at next year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup – which Japan will enter as reigning champions – where they will be joined by Korea Republic who finished third after beating Australia 9-1 earlier in the day.

Yuzuki Yamamoto and Hana Takahashi both scored as Japan bagged their sixth title at this level on a night of high drama at the Chonburi Stadium.

Having seen his charges remain unbeaten throughout their campaign, a delighted Ikeda was quick to declare that his team’s tremendous teamwork had proved decisive en route to claiming the nation’s latest Continental crown.

The Korea Republic forward edged Japan’s Yuzuki Yamamoto, who finished with five goals, and DPR Korea’s Kim Kyong-yong and Mary Fowler’s Australia - on four goals each.

Kang played a pivotal role for Korea Republic throughout their campaign when she took captain duties in the first game against China PR and scored two goals.

The emphatic victory sealed the East Asians a place in next year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Nigeria.

Korea Republic suffered two defeats in the tournament - against Japan in the group stage and DPR Korea in the semi-finals - and Hur believes there is more work to be done after seeing his team end their campaign on a high note.