India’s campaign at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 came to an end after the Blue Tigresses suffered a 3-1 defeat against Chinese Taipei in their final Group C match at Western Sydney Stadium in Australia on Tuesday.
Chinese Taipei struck early in the contest through Su Yu-hsuan in the 12th minute, before India responded with an equaliser from Manisha Kalyan in the first half. However, Hsu Yi-yun restored the lead for Chinese Taipei deep into first-half stoppage time, and Chen Yu-ting sealed the victory with a second-half goal.
India head coach Amelia Valverde made two changes to her starting lineup, bringing in Shilky Devi Hemam and Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam. With qualification hopes hanging in the balance, India needed a win and at least two goals to progress to the knockout stage.
The Blue Tigresses began brightly and nearly took the lead in the second minute when Manisha delivered a corner into the box. Soumya Guguloth’s header was saved before Pyari Xaxa attempted to capitalise on the rebound, but the Chinese Taipei defence managed to clear the danger.
Chinese Taipei quickly responded with Chen Jin-wen taking a shot from inside the Indian penalty area, which narrowly missed the far post. India also came close soon after when Nirmala set up Manisha, who threaded a pass through to Soumya, but her effort also went just wide.
The opening goal came after a defensive mix-up from India. Martina Thokchom miscued a clearance, allowing Chen Jin-wen to pick up the ball. Sanju intercepted but her attempted pass back lacked power, falling kindly to Chen, who squared it to Su Yu-hsuan for a simple finish into an empty net.
India pushed forward in search of goals and finally found the equaliser in the 39th minute. A powerful Manisha free-kick from about 25 yards struck the underside of the crossbar before bouncing out. After a VAR check, the goal was awarded, bringing India back into the match.
However, Chinese Taipei regained the lead in first-half injury time. After initially hitting the woodwork from a penalty, Hsu Yi-yun benefitted from a fortunate rebound as the ball struck goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu and rolled over the line.
India started the second half with renewed urgency. Manisha attempted a long-range effort while captain Sweety Devi Ngangbam made a crucial defensive block at the other end. Goalkeeper Panthoi also produced several impressive saves to keep India in contention.
But India’s push for an equaliser left gaps at the back. In the 77th minute, Chen Yu-ting was played through behind the defence and calmly finished into an empty net after rounding the goalkeeper.
India created a few late chances, including a blocked volley from Sanfida Nongrum and a free-kick from Manisha that forced a save. Manisha nearly scored again with a header from a corner in stoppage time, but the effort struck the post.
Despite a spirited effort, the defeat confirmed India’s exit from the tournament.
