AIFF Media Team

MUMBAI: Chinese Taipei and the Philippines qualified for the quarterfinals of the Women’s AFC Asian Cup India 2022 with emphatic wins to set up a clash against each other while Thailand and Vietnam snuck in as the best third-placed sides as the group stage reached a conclusion on Thursday, January 27, 2022.

After China PR had ensured their entry into the knockout stage, it was a winner-takes-all Group A game between the Chinese Taipei and Islamic Republic of Iran on Wednesday at the D.Y. Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai. Leading from the front, captain Lai Li-Chin scored a hat-trick as Chinese Taipei brushed aside IR Iran 5-0.

The Philippines routed Indonesia 6-0 to seal their place in the knockout stage as Group B runners-up thanks to a brace from midfielder Tahnai Annis. Group winners Australia kept up their 100 per cent winning record as a much-changed side defeated Thailand 2-1.

Group C had already seen Japan and Korea Republic book their spots in the last eight after winning their first two games but they still had to fight it out to decide who topped the group. The much-awaited heavyweight clash lived up to its billing as a high-quality game ended 1-1 at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune.

Riko Ueki put Japan ahead after just 40 seconds after a miscommunication in the Korean backline. Super-sub Seo Ji-Yeon rescued a draw for Korea Republic four minutes from time but it still means that they will face Australia in the quarterfinals after finishing second in the group on goal difference.

In the other Group C encounter, Vietnam came from behind twice to draw 2-2 against Myanmar at the D.Y. Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai which ensured their place in the next round as one of the two best third-placed sides, edging it on goal difference.

Quarterfinal fixtures (January 30)

Australia vs Korea Republic (1:30 PM IST, Pune)

Japan vs Thailand (1:30 PM IST, Navi Mumbai)

China vs Vietnam (5:30 PM IST, Navi Mumbai)

Taiwan vs Philippines (7:30 PM IST, Pune)