Asian Games Women's Football: India take on Chinese Taipei

India have a notable head-to-head record against Chinese Taipei.

The Indian women’s football team will begin their 2023 Asian Games campaign with a high voltage clash against a highly ranked Chinese Taipei. The Blue Tigresses have finally confirmed a place at the Asian Games after all the chaos regarding India’s participation at the tournament in the last one month or so.

Currently ranked 38th on the FIFA rankings, Chinese Taipei will present a tough challenge for Thomas Dennerby and co. India couldn’t field a team against Chinese Taipei at the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup which forced their exit from the championship and now it’s time they do what they couldn’t in 2022.

On that note, let us take a look at how things stand ahead of the game.

The Stakes

Chinese Taipei

Chinese Taipei come into the game as favourites, thanks to their superior FIFA ranking. They have been in a good run of form having scored 14 goals in their last three games and securing big margin victories.

They will go all out given the tight competition in the women’s football category and will also want to settle the scores with India for the defeat in an international friendly in 2021.

India

The Blue Tigresses have a lot at stake. They know after how many requests and efforts from the AIFF, they have been allowed to play at the Asian Games. And therefore, they must make it count.

India will hope to begin their campaign on a strong note with a win over their opponents. The Blue Tigresses can also take confidence from the fact that they defeated Chinese Taipei the last time they faced them.

Injury & Team News

Both sides are expected to field a strong line-up as no injuries have been reported so far.

Head-to-head

India faced off against Chinese Taipei for the first time in 2013 and then in 2021. Both sides have won one game each as the head-to-head record stands at 1-1.

Predicted Line up

India

Shreya Hooda (GK), Dalima Chhibber, Sweety Devi, Ashalata Devi, Astam Oraon, Anju Tamang, Dangmei Grace, Priyangka Devi, Pyari Xaxa, Bala Devi, Manisha Kalyan

Player to watch

Su Yu-Hsuan (Chinese Taipei)

The striker is one of the most influential players in the Chinese Taipei setup. Currently 22, she has all the attributes to become one of the best strikers in the history of Chinese Taipei. She is fast, technical and a good decision-maker on the pitch.

She showed a glimpse of her talent at the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in India where she scored two goals and was a constant threat to other teams. Su Yu-Hsuan has an eye for goal as she has already scored 15 goals for her nation (U-16 to senior level). 

Manisha Kalyan (India)

Manisha is one of the best talents that India has ever produced. Her pace, vision and trickery is what makes her standout. She recently became the first Indian player to score at the UEFA Women’s Champions League (Qualifiers). 

She comes into the Asian Games on the back of a highly successful season in Europe with Cyprus side Apollon Ladies FC. Manisha is a treat to watch on the pitch. Expect her to fire on all cylinders.

Did you know?

• The Blue Tigresses are participating at the Asian Games after nine years. 
• Bala Devi is back in India’s squad after a four year gap.
• This will only be the Blue Tigresses third appearance at the continental show piece.

Telecast

The Asian Games match between Chinese Taipei and India will take place on Thursday, September 21 at the Wenzhou Sports Center Stadium, Hangzhou with a 5 PM IST kick-off. The match will be shown on the Sony Sports network and streamed live on Sony LIV.