Sam Kerr, Ji Soyun star in AFC Women's Asian Cup Team of Tournament

Each of these players impressed with their performances and were among the best in the competition.

The 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup was nothing less than a tournament full of shocks, drama and end-to-end football. The competition was one of its kind, that saw China PR reclaim their crown for the ninth time.

China played the opener as well as the final game of the tournament in Mumbai and were undefeated throughout. The Steel Roses topped their group and then defeated Vietnam in the quarter-final, before getting the better of the then defending champions Japan in the semis. 

They then beat South Korea in the final, recovering from a two-goal deficit to win it. Now that the competition has come to an end, Khel Now takes a look at the Team of the Tournament.

Goalkeeper - Zhu Yu (China PR)

Zhu Yu resembled the Great Wall of China between the sticks and stood tall as the last line of defence. Keeping two clean-sheets, the custodian conceded just five goals.

Moreover, she was adjudged as the "Best Goalkeeper" of the tournament for her outstanding display throughout, including a defining penalty shootout in the semi-final.

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Right-Back - Wang Xiaoxue (China PR)

She was the best player for China in the semi-final clash against Japan. Wang Xiaoxue was excellent on the right side of the defence for the Steel Roses.

The 27-year-old defender was consistent at the back and also contributed immensely in attack. She was very useful for China PR every time it came down to split second decisions and initiating counter-attacks.  

Centre-Back - Chuong Thi Kieu (Vietnam)

Chuong thi Kieu is an ideal ball-playing centre-back that you would want in your team. Vietnam mostly played out from the back and she played an instrumental role in her side’s possession-based style.

The 26-year-old scored a goal in their historic win against Chinese Taipei that ensured them a place at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Centre-Back - Shim Seo-yeon (Korea Republic)

The defender played a major role in South Korea’s sensational run to their first Women’s Asian Cup Final. She helped her side keep four clean-sheets in six matches. Her best performance came against the defending champions Japan, where she kept the Japanese attackers at bay.

Moreover, she played a big part in South Korea’s landmark win against possibly the strongest side in Asia, Australia, as she kept a check on Samantha Kerr.

Left-Back - Sofia Harrison (Philippines)

Sofia was arguably the best left-back in the entire tournament. She stood out for her exceptional displays at either ends of the pitch.

She is a perfect modern-day full-back, who created a lot of goalscoring opportunities for the Philippines throughout the campaign. Although she isn’t the tallest of players, she is still very useful in the air.

Right Midfielder - Ji So-yun (Korea Republic)

The Chelsea midfielder was a mystery woman in the middle of the park for South Korea. She continued to deliver outstanding performances throughout the tournament and led her side to their first Asian Cup final.

The 30-year-old scored five goals at the tournament and became the highest all-time goalscorer for South Korea in the process.

Central Midfielder - Emily van Egmond (Australia)

Emily played the role of a proper No. 6 for the Matildas. She controlled the tempo of the game and was also the link between the defence and attack for Australia.

The Newcastle Jets midfielder is not shy to enter the box and test the keeper and in the process. She finished as the second joint-highest goalscorer of the tournament with five goals.

Central Midfielder - Wang Shanshan (China PR)

The skipper scored in each of her side’s matches until the semi-finals and led China to their record ninth title. Her creativity in the middle of the park was an added advantage for the Chinese.

She was phenomenal for the Steel Roses and scored the equalizer and the winner against Japan in the semi-final. The 32-year-old was felicitated with the "Most Valuable Player" award for her five goals and all-round heroics throughout the tournament.

Left Midfielder  - Wang Shuang (China PR)

Wang Shuang is considered to be China’s brightest generational talent and she very much lived up to her tag. She finished as the joint-top scorer for the queens of Asia and as the second joint-top scorer of the tournament.

The forward scored five goals, including two braces and an equalizer against Vietnam in the all-important quarter-final. The 27-year-old is a proven winner and has added one more title to her name.

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Striker - Samantha Kerr (Australia)

Although Australia’s Asian Cup dream was cut short following an upset in the quarter-final against South Korea, Samantha Kerr’s performance at the tournament was a big positive for the Matildas.

The Chelsea forward surpassed Australian icon Tim Cahill’s 50-goal benchmark following her seven-goal haul at the tournament. She finished as the top scorer of the competition, which even made her Australia’s record top scorer across genders.

Striker - Riko Ueki (Japan)

She was one of the youngest forwards at the tournament, but played like an experienced campaigner. Riko Ueki finished the tournament as the top scorer for two-time champions, Japan.

She found the back of the net on five occasions, including two in the big semi-final against eventual champions China PR. Her synergy with Mana Iwabuchi was influential in Japan’s run to their third consecutive semi-final.

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