Group A: China PR power past Chinese Taipei

Fri, 21 Jan, 2022

Group A: China PR power past Chinese Taipei

Mumbai: China PR made a dream start to their AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ campaign, easing to a 4-0 win over Chinese Taipei in a sun-bathed tournament opener at Mumbai Football Arena on Thursday.

Appearing on the international stage for the first time since July 2020, the Steel Roses took little time to get going, scoring twice in the opening 10 minutes to all but extinguish Chinese Taipei’s hopes of an upset in their first appearance at the Finals since 2008.

Wang Shuang was the headline act with two goals and an assist in Shui Qingxia’s first game as head coach, with Wang Shanshan and Zhang Xin also getting on the scoresheet in a comprehensive win.

Preview - Group B: Australia v Indonesia

Fri, 21 Jan, 2022

Preview - Group B: Australia v Indonesia

Mumbai: They may be separated by more than 80 places in the world rankings, but Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson will take nothing for granted when his side begin their AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ campaign against Indonesia on Friday. 

The Matildas are a powerhouse in this competition, reaching the final in four of the last five editions and touching down in India as the highest-ranked team in this year’s event, while Indonesia have qualified for the group stage for the first time since 1989. 

Preview - Group B: Thailand v Philippines

Fri, 21 Jan, 2022

Preview - Group B: Thailand v Philippines

Navi Mumbai: Alen Stajcic’s Philippines face a litmus test in their 2022 AFC Asian Cup India 2022™ Group B opening fixture against regional powerhouse Thailand on Friday.

The Philippines have not beaten Thailand in 12 previous attempts and the duel at the D.Y. Patil Stadium is set to be a thrilling encounter.

Preview - Group C: Japan v Myanmar

Thu, 20 Jan, 2022

Preview - Group C: Japan v Myanmar

Pune: Japan are entering the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ as two-time defending champions and while it may be a heavy burden for some, head coach Futoshi Ikeda welcomes the pressure and is looking forward to the challenge.

Japan kick off their title defence in Group C against Myanmar at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune on Friday.

Preview - Group C: Korea Republic v Vietnam

Thu, 20 Jan, 2022

Preview - Group C: Korea Republic v Vietnam

Pune: Korea Republic are seeking to end their title drought in AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™, but head coach Colin Bell wants his players to first focus on Friday’s opening Group C tie against Vietnam. 

Korea Republic have qualified for every edition of the Finals since 1991, with a third-placed finish in 2003 their best achievement. In Vietnam, they will play a team who are also regulars in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, having made every Finals since 1999. 

Annis: Philippines eager to lay down early marker

Thu, 20 Jan, 2022

Annis: Philippines eager to lay down early marker

Navi Mumbai: Philippines captain Tahnai Annis and her teammates are eyeing a positive start to their AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ Group B campaign when they face familiar foes Thailand on Friday.

Alen Stajcic’s charges will face a stern test in Group B with former winners Australia and Indonesia also in the fray.

The top two teams from each of the three groups - along with the two best third placed sides - will advance to the quarter-finals.

Intamee: Thailand’s target is to reach the quarter-finals

Thu, 20 Jan, 2022

Intamee: Thailand’s target is to reach the quarter-finals

Navi Mumbai: Silawan Intamee is confident Thailand can perform at their best ahead of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ Group B opener against Southeast Asian rivals the Philippines on Friday.

Apart from the Philippines, Miyo Okamoto's charges will also have Australia and Indonesia for company in Group B, with the top two teams from each of the three groups - along with the two best third placed sides - advancing to the quarter-finals.

Australia showdown 33 years in the making, says Indonesia’s Ade Mustikiana

Thu, 20 Jan, 2022

Australia showdown 33 years in the making, says Indonesia’s Ade Mustikiana

Mumbai: Australia are hot favourites to make a successful start to their AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ campaign on Friday, but their opponents will be fuelled by three decades in the wilderness, according to Indonesia captain Ade Mustikiana Oktafiani. 

On paper, at least, it is the biggest mismatch at the tournament. 

While the world number 11 Matildas arrived in India having reached the final in four of the last five AFC Women’s Asian Cups, not one player from the 94th-ranked Indonesia had been born when they were last seen at the continental Finals back in 1989.