India women’s football team face a must-win clash as they take on Taiwan in their last Group C match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Sydney on Tuesday (March 10, 2026).

India are currently bottom of the group at fourth place with zero points from two matches after having lost against Vietnam (1-2) and Japan (0-11).

Japan are at the top of the group with six points from two games, while Taiwan and Vietnam are second and third, respectively, with both sides tied on three points apiece.

However the Blue Tigresses still have a chance to make it to the quarter-finals, should they defeat Taiwan by a margin of two goals or more, and if Japan defeat Vietnam on Tuesday (March 10, 2026) in the simultaneous kick-off.

Even a victory by a margin of one goal may be enough, should the match between Bangladesh and Uzbekistan on Monday (March 9, 2026), end in a draw. The top two teams from each of the three groups, along with the two best third-place finishers will make it to the last eight.

India head coach Amelia Valverde highlighted the importance of putting the past results behind, after the last two matches.

“The two matches (against Vietnam and Japan) 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,” said Valverde.

For the Blue Tigresses, the clash against Taiwan is akin to a virtual final.

“We are aware of the importance of the match. We have already turned the page from our previous game, and now have this opportunity, which we must approach with the seriousness it deserves,” she said.

“The players are focused, and we are working on finishing our chances. We know that it is like a final for us,” said Valverde.

“They have been working hard to create history for their country for many months. So we must be aware that we have a clear opportunity to qualify and a clear opportunity to finish this phase well and hopefully achieve it.”

While the India head coach wants her side to play a certain brand of football, she is aware of the threats that Taiwan pose.

“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 said.

“They had a very strong defensive phase in their first match and adjusted their formation slightly, but they played a very intelligent game against Japan.

“We need to bring intensity, be a team that want the ball, and try to take it forward into attack. That is one of our advantages, especially considering the abilities of our players, and we will try to make the most of that,” said Valverde.

India midfielder Shilky Devi Hemam echoed the coach’s feelings.

“We have learned our lessons from the last game, and I think this (Taiwan) will be a special match for us,” said Shilky. “It’s a great opportunity for us, and we have to make the most of it.”

Taiwan , on the other hand, have a much easier task. A draw will be enough for them to seal progression to the knockout stage. Head coach Prasobchoke Chokemor, though, is egging his side for a win.

He said, “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.

“Of course, while we have a good chance of qualifying even with a draw, we will still go on the pitch and play to win the match and not worry about other factors in the other matches.”

Published – March 10, 2026 03:52 am IST

Zahra Ghanbari (Image credit: X)

NEW DELHI: Football chiefs offered “full support and assistance” to the Iranian team in Australia on Sunday for the Women’s Asian Cup after the United States and Israel launched massive attacks on their homeland. Iran’s 26-strong squad arrived on the Gold Coast days before the strikes on Saturday killed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Washington and Tel Aviv seek to topple the Islamic republic.They are due to open their tournament on Monday against South Korea.

The Asian Football Confederation said in a statement it “continues to closely monitor the recent developments in the Middle East during this challenging period”.“The AFC’s foremost priority remains the welfare, safety and security of all players, coaches, officials and fans,” it added.“In this regard, we are in close and regular contact with the Iran women’s national team and officials on the Gold Coast and are offering our full support and assistance.”Iran coach Marziyeh Jafari held a pre-match press conference on Sunday but focused on football, saying the tournament was a chance to show “the potential of Iranian women”.“After the league season in Iran, we came together for three training camps, before coming to Australia where we have had a few fruitful sessions, so I hope tomorrow we can show you a good match,” she said.The 12-team tournament, which kicks off Sunday, will be one of the biggest stages ever for many Iranian players.They made a historic debut at the last Asian Cup in India in 2022 and suffered heavy defeats against China and Taiwan, but it made them national heroes in a country where women’s rights are severely restricted.“In India in 2022, the group was a little easier, now in 2026 we enter with more experience but the group is more tough,” said Jafari of a group that also includes hosts Australia and the Philippines.“But we (still) want to show in these games the potential of Iranian women.”Iran showed grit to come through a challenging qualifying campaign for Australia that culminated with a win against favourites Jordan to seal a back-to-back appearance.Skipper Zahra Ghanbari said she was dreaming big.“I believe this tournament is great with great teams, but we really want to qualify for the World Cup,” said the 33-year-old.“We know these will be tough games, but we have a tough mentality and we want to do our best.”The top six finishers will qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.