A virtual final awaits the Indian women’s national team when they play Chinese Taipei in their third and final Group C match of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup at the Western Sydney Stadium on Tuesday.
India are currently bottom of the group in fourth place with zero points from two matches after losing to Vietnam (1-2) and Japan (0-11). Japan top the group with six points from two matches, while Chinese Taipei and Vietnam are second and third respectively, with both teams tied with three points each.
However, the Blue Tigresses still have a chance to reach the quarter-finals if they beat Chinese Taipei by a margin of two goals or more, provided Japan beats Vietnam in the simultaneous kick-off on Tuesday. Even a win by one goal could be enough if the match between Bangladesh and Uzbekistan ends in a draw on Monday.
The top two teams from each of the three groups, along with the best two third-placed players, will advance to the last eight.
Indian head coach Amelia Valverde stressed the importance of putting past results behind them after the defeats in the first two matches.
«The two matches (against Vietnam and Japan) were very different. The first thing we have to do is try to turn the page on what happened as quickly as possible. We have to prepare well for this match, and we have no doubt about that,» Valverde said.
For the Blue Tigresses, the clash against Chinese Taipei resembles a virtual final.
«We are aware of the importance of the competition. We have already turned the page of our previous competition and now we have this opportunity, which we must approach with the seriousness it deserves,» she said.
«The players are focused and we are working on finishing our chances. We know it is a kind of final for us,» said Valverde. «They have worked hard for months to make history for their country. So we have to be aware that we have a clear chance to qualify and a clear chance to finish this stage well and hopefully reach it.»
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Although the Indian head coach wants her team to play a certain brand of football, she is aware of the threats that Chinese Taipei poses.
«If we reproduce the version of football we showed in the second half of the first match, we will be very close to achieving success. On the other hand, Chinese Taipei is well organized in their playing style,» she said.
“They had a very strong defensive phase in their first game and adjusted their formation slightly, but against Japan they played a very intelligent game edc3.
«We have to bring intensity, be a team that wants the ball and try to bring it into the attack. That is one of our advantages, especially given the capabilities of our players, and we will try to make the most of that,» Valverde said.
Chinese Taipei, on the other hand, has a relatively easier task. A draw will be enough to advance to the knockout stages. However, head coach Prasobchoke Chokemor urged his team to go for the win.
While his team may be pushing for victory, Chinese Taipei’s head coach was wary of the Indian threat, especially from forward Manisha Kalyan.
Published on March 9, 2026
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