Ikeda laments Japan’s off day

Fri, 04 Feb, 2022

Ikeda laments Japan’s off day

Pune: Head coach Futoshi Ikeda couldn’t hide his disappointment following Japan’s 4-3 defeat on penalties to China PR in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ semi-final on Thursday.

Riko Ueki hit a brace but China PR equalised twice to force penalties, with Japan seeing two of their spot-kicks saved before Wang Shanshan converted the fifth to send her team through to the final against Korea Republic on Sunday.

The defeat meant Japan’s quest for a third consecutive AFC Women’s Asian Cup crown came to an end in heartbreaking fashion.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup/video/wac2022_-_semi-final_|_china_pr_2_-_2_4_-_3_pso_japan.html

Hard work and concentration key to Korea Republic’s semi-final success, says Bell

Fri, 04 Feb, 2022

Hard work and concentration key to Korea Republic’s semi-final success, says Bell

Pune: Head coach Colin Bell was brimming with joy after Korea Republic beat the Philippines in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ semi-final tie on Thursday, and hailed his charges’ for their total commitment and concentration.

Two first half goals from Cho So-hyun and Son Hwa-yeon proved enough for Korea Republic to book their first-ever appearance in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup final.

Stajcic: Philippines are only just starting

Fri, 04 Feb, 2022

Stajcic: Philippines are only just starting

Pune: Philippines' AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ adventure may have come to an end after falling 2-0 to Korea Republic in Thursday’s semi-finals but head coach Alen Stajcic believes the experience his players have gained will give them confidence to compete against the world’s best. 

Appearing in their first-ever AFC Women’s Asian Cup semi-final, Philippines suffered the worst of starts with Cho So-hyun heading in a fourth minute goal, before Son Hwa-yeon doubled the Koreans’ lead in the 34th minute. 

The Philippines were able to hold out against the aggressive Taeguk Ladies after that but couldn’t muster a comeback. 

Semi-final: China PR stun Japan to stay on track for record ninth title

Fri, 04 Feb, 2022

Semi-final: China PR stun Japan to stay on track for record ninth title

Pune: China PR defeated Japan 4-3 on penalties to advance to the final of the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022™ final at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune on Thursday.

In an epic semi-final which ended 2-2 after extra time, goalkeeper Yu Zhu and captain Wang Shanshan played starring roles as China PR move within one match of winning a record-extending ninth AFC Women's Asian Cup title. 

It was a well deserved victory as China PR came from behind twice, with Wang Shanshan netting their second equaliser in the final minute of extra time. Yu Zhu then saved two of Japan's penalties with the skipper scoring the fifth spot-kick to take her team into Sunday's final against Korea Republic. 

Semi-final: Masterful Korea Republic end Philippines’ challenge

Fri, 04 Feb, 2022

Semi-final: Masterful Korea Republic end Philippines’ challenge

Pune: Korea Republic booked a place in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ final with a comfortable 2-0 win over the Philippines at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune on Thursday.

Korea Republic’s first ever appearance in the final was sealed early, with Cho So-hyun and Son Hwa-yeon scoring in the first half for the East Asian side with China PR awaiting them in Sunday's title decider.

The Philippines, playing in their first AFC Women’s Asian Cup semi-final, can be proud of their efforts though as they gave the match their all and can look forward to an inaugural appearance in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia/New Zealand 2023.

Volunteers play important role at the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022™

Thu, 03 Feb, 2022

Volunteers play important role at the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022™

Mumbai: As the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ enters its final stages, the-AFC.com takes a peak behind the scenes and pays tribute to the volunteers who have helped in the smooth running of the continental showpiece.

With the tournament expanded to 12 teams and numerous SOPs in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the dedication of the volunteers has been exemplary.

Volunteers Akankshya Bhuyan and Devika Nair are just two of many who have played a major part in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022.