Toko Koga scored twice as Japan maintained their bid for a third Women’s Asian Cup title, cruising to a 7-0 victory over the Philippines in Sydney on Sunday. The win sets up a semi-final clash with South Korea.

The match was dominated by Japan from the start, though Philippines goalkeeper Nina Meollo held firm until just before halftime. Mina Tanaka opened the scoring with a scrappy close-range header, and Koga extended the lead from a corner soon after.

After the break, Japan continued to surge. Remina Chiba struck a right-footed shot in the 65th minute to make it 3-0. Just two minutes later, Manaka Matsukubo weaved through the defence to add a fourth, before Koga sealed her second goal with another close-range header in the 75th minute.

Momoko Tanikawa added Japan’s sixth goal in the 86th minute, and substitute Riko Ueki wrapped up the scoring in the 90th to complete a commanding 7-0 victory. Japan have now scored 24 goals without conceding in the tournament.

The win also secured Japan a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Meanwhile, the Philippines will have another chance to qualify, competing alongside the other losing quarter-finalists for two remaining playoff spots on the Gold Coast.

In the other semi-final, Australia will face China.