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.

Kanno was a standout player throughout the tournament for Japan, who defeated DPR Korea 2-1 in the final at the Chonburi Stadium.

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.

Despite having their title hopes dashed in the semi-finals, a commanding performance throughout saw Hur Jung-jae’s charges finish their Continental campaign in some style at the Chonburi Stadium.

Korea Republic’s success ensures they will join tournament finalists DPR Korea and Japan as Asia’s third representative at the 2020 global extravaganza in Nigeria.