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Japan Starts Women's Asian Cup with 2-0 Win Over Chinese Taipei

Japan began their AFC Women's Asian Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over Chinese Taipei in Group C. Midfielder Momoko Tanikawa broke the deadlock in the 61st minute, with Kiko Seike adding a late goal from a Remina Chiba cross. Despite the loss, Chinese Taipei goalkeeper Wang Yu-ting made nine saves against a dominant Japanese side that registered 30 shots. The tournament serves as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, with the four semifinalists earning direct entry.

Key Points: Japan Beats Chinese Taipei in Women's Asian Cup Opener

  • Japan wins Group C opener 2-0
  • Goals from Momoko Tanikawa and Kiko Seike
  • Chinese Taipei keeper made nine saves
  • Top two teams advance to quarterfinals
  • Semifinalists qualify for 2027 FIFA World Cup
2 min read

Women's Asian Cup: Japan beat Chinese Taipei in Group C opener

Japan secured a 2-0 victory against Chinese Taipei in their AFC Women's Asian Cup Group C opener with goals from Momoko Tanikawa and Kiko Seike.

"Japan got the breakthrough in the 61st minute when midfielder Momoko Tanikawa controlled the ball with her chest... before finishing with her right foot. - Xinhua"

Perth, March 4

Former champions Japan opened their campaign in the AFC Women's Asian Cup with an easy 2-0 win over Chinese Taipei in Western Australia on Wednesday.

After failing to capitalise on repeated chances to open the scoring in the first hour, Japan got the breakthrough in the 61st minute when midfielder Momoko Tanikawa controlled the ball with her chest in the penalty area before finishing with her right foot.

Forward Kiko Seike sealed the win for the 2014 and 2018 champion in the 92nd minute when she headed a cross from fellow substitute Remina Chiba into the bottom left corner, reports Xinhua.

Despite conceding twice, Chinese Taipei goalkeeper Wang Yu-ting made nine saves throughout the match as Japan registered 30 shots.

It was Japan's fourth straight win over Chinese Taipei in the tournament.

Japan, who have won the title twice and finished runners-up on four occasions, are the highest-ranked team in this group and is expected to top the standings.

In Group C, Japan will play India at the Perth Rectangular Stadium on Saturday, while Chinese Taipei will face Vietnam.

On Wednesday, two-time runners-up India will open their campaign in Group C against Vietnam at the same Perth Rectangular Stadium, hoping to start their campaign on a winning note. The top two finishers in the group and the two best third-placed teams will qualify for the quarterfinals.

The AFC Women's Asian Cup presents an opportunity for the 12 participating nations, as the four semifinalists will gain direct entry to the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027. Two out of the four losing quarterfinalists will compete to determine the two remaining direct qualifiers from Asia. The remaining two teams will proceed to the Play-off Tournament, which can also afford them an entry to the world's biggest competition.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good analysis. 30 shots to 2 goals shows Japan were wasteful. Chinese Taipei's goalkeeper Wang Yu-ting deserves a lot of credit for keeping the scoreline respectable. Hope our Indian forwards are more precise when they get their chances.
A
Aditi M
The real story is the World Cup qualification! So much at stake. Our girls have to finish in the top four. The entire nation is behind you. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
Watching from the US. The quality of women's football in Asia keeps getting better. Japan is a powerhouse, but India's growth has been impressive. Good luck to all teams!
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, I feel the media coverage for our women's team is still not enough. They are fighting for a World Cup spot! This match against Vietnam is crucial. Hope they get the support they deserve, both on and off the field.
K
Kriti O
Momoko Tanikawa's goal was pure skill! Chest control and finish in one motion. 👏 Football is truly a beautiful game. Can't wait for Wednesday's opener. Come on India!

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