Team China extended their winning streak to three matches at the Women's Asain Champions Trophy 2024, overpowering Japan 2-1 today (November 14, Thursday) in Rajgir, Bihar. (Match Highlights)
Wang Lihang’s brace handed Japan their first defeat of the tournament, after they kicked off with a 2-2 draw against South Korea and then a 1-1 tie with Thailand.
On the other hand, China’s campaign has been a juggernaut, starting with a dominant 15-0 win over Thailand and a 5-0 victory over Malaysia.
The match began with a goalless first quarter, with China holding more possession and earning two consecutive penalty corners. In the second quarter, Wang Lihang finally broke the deadlock, giving China a 1-0 lead.
As the game moved into the third quarter, China had several opportunities with back-to-back penalty corners, but they failed to convert any. Japan also had three penalty corners, and it was finally one of them that paid off.
With 8:55 left in the third quarter, Hanami Saito equalized for Japan, leveling the score at 1-1.
The fourth quarter saw a turnover, as Wang Lihang found the back of the net again, putting China back in the lead. Despite Japan's best efforts, China held firm, not allowing any further goals, and the match ended with a 2-1 victory for China.
Looking ahead to their next fixtures, Japan will face Malaysia on November 16, while the unbeaten China will take on the unbeaten India on the same day.
