The India women’s football team will take on Chinese Taipei on Tuesday in a crucial Group C match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, a game being described as a must-win for the Blue Tigresses. India currently sit at the bottom of the group with zero points from two matches, having lost 1-2 to Vietnam and 0-11 to Japan. Meanwhile, Japan top the group with six points, while Chinese Taipei and Vietnam are tied on three points each.

Despite the challenging position, India still has a path to the quarter-finals. A victory over Chinese Taipei by a margin of two goals or more, coupled with a Japan win over Vietnam, would see them progress. Even a one-goal win could suffice if the Monday clash between Bangladesh and Uzbekistan ends in a draw. The tournament format allows the top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-place finishers, to advance to the last eight.

India head coach Amelia Valverde stressed the importance of moving past previous defeats. “The two matches 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,” she said. Valverde described the game as a “virtual final” for her squad, emphasizing focus and opportunity.

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Valverde also highlighted the tactical challenge posed by Chinese Taipei. “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 noted. She urged her players to maintain intensity, control possession, and capitalize on attacking opportunities.

Midfielder Shilky Devi Hemam echoed her coach’s sentiments. “We have learned our lessons from the last game, and I think this will be a special match for us. It’s a great opportunity for us, and we have to make the most of it,” she said.

For Chinese Taipei, a draw would suffice to secure progression to the knockout stage, but head coach Prasobchoke Chokemor remains focused on a win. “The team are more confident after bouncing back in the last match, but I must make sure they don’t end up being over-confident. We will still go on the pitch and play to win the match,” he said. The clash promises high stakes as both teams vie for a place in the quarter-finals.

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