Japan have become the first two-time champions of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup after beating Uzbekistan 1-0 in a thrilling final at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on Friday evening.

Japan play Uzbekistan for the U23 Asian Cup title. The match kicks off at 10:30 p.m. (Hanoi time).

But there was certainly a distinction between traditional powerhouses Japan, who have set the standard in Asian football for almost three decades now, and the tournament's in-form team in Uzbekistan, who marched into the final on the back of five consecutive victories with a formidable tally of 14 goals scored and none conceded.