Group C: Japan turn on the style against Myanmar

Fri, 21 Jan, 2022

Group C: Japan turn on the style against Myanmar

Pune: Two-time defending champions Japan made a winning start to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ on Friday as Futoshi Ikeda’s side secured a statement 5-0 win over Myanmar in Group C.

Riko Ueki gave the Japanese the lead midway through the first half while strikes early in the second half from Yui Hasegawa and Hikaru Naomoto gave the champions a comfortable cushion. Substitute Yui Narumiya hit the fourth before Hasegawa sealed the win in injury time.

Irandoost praises IR Iran, India’s Dennerby disappointed after stalemate

Fri, 21 Jan, 2022

Irandoost praises IR Iran, India’s Dennerby disappointed after stalemate

Navi Mumbai: Islamic Republic of Iran head coach Maryam Irandoost sang praises of her team after their 0-0 draw against India in Group A of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ on Thursday.

Iran’s strategy to play counter-attacking football worked in their favour as they kept India at bay to earn their first AFC Women's Asian Cup point at the D.Y. Patil Stadium.

Koudaei promises much more from IR Iran after heroics against India

Fri, 21 Jan, 2022

Koudaei promises much more from IR Iran after heroics against India

Navi Mumbai: Goalkeeper Zohreh Koudaei stole the show as Islamic Republic of Iran held India to a goalless draw in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ Group A opener on Thursday.

Besides hitting the crossbar, India found Koudaei in unbeatable form as she denied them time and again, including pulling off a one-handed save when it looked like Dangmei Grace had broken the deadlock in the 77th minute.

The 32-year-old’s fine performance meant Iran marked their AFC Women's Asian Cup debut with a point and the shot-stopper promised of more to come in the matches against China PR and Chinese Taipei.

Preparation behind fast start, says China PR boss Shui

Fri, 21 Jan, 2022

Preparation behind fast start, says China PR boss Shui

Mumbai: Hard work and preparation paid dividends, according to Shui Qingxia, after her China PR side began their AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ campaign with a commanding 4-0 win over Chinese Taipei on Thursday.

The Steel Roses hadn’t played any international opponents in the months ahead of their trip to India, but their lack of match practice didn’t prevent them from storming to a 2-0 lead within 10 minutes, with Wang Shuang ultimately scoring twice in the impressive opening day display.

Zhang Xin: Tokyo in the past, Navi Mumbai in the future for China PR

Fri, 21 Jan, 2022

Zhang Xin: Tokyo in the past, Navi Mumbai in the future for China PR

Mumbai: China PR Zhang Xin backed her side to prove their ill-fated Tokyo Olympics campaign was a one-off by reaching the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ Final, following a blistering 4-0 win against Chinese Taipei on Thursday.

The midfielder was one of the best players on the pitch as the Steel Roses cruised to victory in their first match under Shui Qingxia, capping off her fine display with a goal nine minutes into the second half.

The match was China’s first competitive outing since an unhappy Tokyo Olympics campaign which saw them concede 17 goals in just three group stage matches, and where the attacking exploits of Wang Shuang were one of few bright spots.