Tanikawa in final of AFC Women's Asian Cup with Japan – Ito keeping fingers crossed

Momoko Tanikawa is set to play in the first major final of her fledgling career with the Japanese national team! The FC Bayern Women midfielder reached the final of the Women’s Asian Cup with her home country following a commanding 4-1 win over South Korea in the semi-final. Tomorrow, Saturday (10:00 CET), she'll face hosts Australia in a prestigious clash at Stadium Australia in Sydney.

Tanikawa’s impressive performances in the tournament are being closely followed at FC Bayern, There's a palpable sense of pride in the 20-year-old’s achievements among the players, the coaching staff and the entire club. President Herbert Hainer sent her a video message, and Hiroki Itō is also following his compatriot’s progress at the Women’s Asian Cup with great interest and admiration. He's keeping his fingers crossed for Momoko and the Japanese side ahead of the final: “Congratulations on reaching the final – please bring the title back to Munich!”

FCB's Japan international Hiroki Itō is keeping his fingers crossed for Momoko Tanikawa:

Impressive performances in the tournament so far

Tanikawa has impressed with some strong performances so far and scored in both the 2–0 opening win against Taiwan and the 7–0 thrashing of the Philippines. She's also excelled as a provider with a total of two assists – most recently in the semi-final against South Korea, when her pinpoint corner found former Bayern player Saki Kumagai. It means Tanikawa has been one of the key players in the national side’s attacking game.

Good luck, Momo – the whole of FC Bayern is behind you and everyone is keeping their fingers crossed for you in the final!

FCB Women face Essen on Friday evening:

🏟️✨ 15,000 tickets have already been sold for the Champions League clash between FC Bayern Women and Manchester United at the Allianz Arena – click here to get yours!

Linda Dallmann has agreed a contract extension with FC Bayern Women: