A virtual final awaits the Indian senior women’s national team as it takes on Chinese Taipei in its third and final Group C encounter of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 at the Western Sydney Stadium on Tuesday.
India is currently bottom of the group in fourth place with zero points from two matches, having lost to Vietnam (1-2) and Japan (0-11). Japan tops the group with six points from two games, while Chinese Taipei and Vietnam are second and third respectively, with both sides tied on three points apiece.
However, the Blue Tigresses still have a chance of making it to the quarterfinals if they defeat Chinese Taipei by a margin of two goals or more, provided Japan beats Vietnam in the simultaneous kick-off on Tuesday.
The top two teams from each of the three groups, along with the two best third-placed finishers, will progress to the last eight.
India head coach Amelia Valverde highlighted the importance of putting the past results behind after the defeats in the opening 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 has happened as quickly as possible. We need to prepare well for this match, and we have no doubt about that,” said Valverde.
For the Blue Tigresses, the clash against Chinese Taipei is akin to a virtual final.
“We are aware of the importance of the match. We have already turned the page from our previous game, 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 that it is like a final for us,” said Valverde. “They have been working hard to create history for their country for many months. So we must be aware that we have a clear opportunity to qualify and a clear opportunity to finish this phase well and hopefully achieve it.”
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While the India head coach wants her side to play a certain brand of football, she is aware of the threats that Chinese Taipei pose.
“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 are well organised in their style of play,” she said.
“They had a very strong defensive phase in their first match and adjusted their formation slightly, but they played a very intelligent game against Japan.
“We need to bring intensity, be a team that wants the ball and try to take it forward into attack. That is one of our advantages, especially considering the abilities of our players, and we will try to make the most of that,” said Valverde.
Chinese Taipei, on the other hand, has a relatively easier task. A draw will be enough for it to secure progression to the knockout stage. Head coach Prasobchoke Chokemor, though, is urging his side to go for the win.
While his team may be pushing for victory, the Chinese Taipei head coach was wary of the Indian threat, particularly from forward Manisha Kalyan.
Published on Mar 09, 2026
