Japan and Vietnam Secure Winning Starts at Women’s Asian Cup

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Group C kicked off as Japan beat Chinese Taipei 2-0, then Vietnam edged India 2-1 in stoppage time.

Japan took an hour to break down a stubborn Chinese Taipei, with Momoko Tanikawa taking a ball down from Hana Takahashi to hit home, although the goal had to survive a VAR check for handball.

Remina Chiba crossed for Kiko Seike to head home in stoppage time and make sure of all three points.

Nguyen Thi Bích Thùy hit the crossbar for Vietnam before combining with Thái Thị Thảo to set up Ngan Thị Vạn Sự to score.

Soon after the interval, Vietnam bundled the ball over the line at about the fifth attempt but had the goal ruled out. Minutes later, India levelled, as half-time substitute Sanfida Nongrum struck from outside the box.

With the game in added time, Ngan Thị Vạn Sự got her second goal from a cutback by Vu Thi Hoa.

Women’s Asian Cup Fixtures for Thursday 4 March:

Group A – Philippines v South Korea (3am), Australia v Iran (9am)

All matches streamed live at www.youtube.com/@AFCAsianCup