HO CHI MINH CITY (AFP) - World champions Japan scored two late goals against defending champions Australia to grab a 2-2 draw in a pulsating start at the Women's Asian Cup on Wednesday.

Goals by Caitlin Foord and Lisa De Vanna either side of half-time put Australia 2-0 up and seemingly on course for a famous win against the 2012 Olympic silver medallists.

But Japan hit back through Nahomi Kawasumi on 69 minutes and with seven minutes remaining, Yuki Ogimi grabbed a crucial equaliser to leave it honours even in Ho Chi Minh City.

Japan are looking for their first Asian Cup win, while 2010 champions Australia are coming off a turbulent period in which coach Hesterine de Reus left following a reported player revolt.

Earlier hosts Vietnam beat Jordan 3-1 to take the early lead in Group A.

Eight-time winners China will take on Thailand, and South Korea will face Myanmar in Group B on Thursday.