Japan beat North Korea for Asian Games women's football gold in Hangzhou

Japan's players celebrate after winning the Hangzhou Asian Games women's football gold medal at the Huanglong Sports Centre Stadium on Friday (Oct 6, 2023). Japan beat North Korea 4-1 in the final. - Reuters

HANGZHOU (AFP): Defending champions Japan beat North Korea 4-1 to win Asian Games women's football gold on Friday with the Chinese crowd in Hangzhou cheering loudly in support of their opponents.

Japan, who went into the final averaging seven goals a game, took an early lead only for North Korea to level less than 10 minutes later.