Indian Women’s Football Team’s Heartbreaking Loss to Chinese Taipei

In a thrilling showdown at the Asian Games 2023, the Indian women’s football team displayed commendable prowess but suffered a late 2-1 defeat at the hands of Chinese Taipei on September 21. Anju Tamang’s goal in the 47th minute had given India a well-deserved lead, only for Chinese Taipei to snatch victory with goals from Lai Li-Chin (69th minute) and Su Yu-Hsuan (84th minute) at the Wenzhou Sports Olympic Centre Stadium.

India, missing their top goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan due to injury, witnessed a stellar performance by Shreyas Hooda in the goalkeeping role, although she was at fault for the winning goal. Anju Tamang emerged as a standout player for India with her creative prowess on the right wing, while the returning striker Bala Devi struggled to make an impact as the no.9.

Head coach Thomas Dennerby fielded a formidable lineup against the 38th-ranked Chinese Taipei, hoping for a positive start in the Hangzhou Games. Despite India’s historically unfavorable record against Chinese Taipei, they dominated the game. Midfielders Dangmei Grance and Indumathi Kathiresan impressed with their consistent creation of scoring opportunities, keeping the Chinese defense on its toes throughout the match.

Anju Tamang’s goal materialized early in the second half as she burst into the box from the right wing, attempting to set up Bala Devi. Although Bala Devi couldn’t capitalize, Tamang capitalized on the goalkeeper’s inability to control the ball, slotting in the rebound near the right post to give India a sensational lead.

Chinese Taipei made strategic substitutions in the second half, introducing Lai Li-Chin and Su Yu-Hsuan to bolster their attacking options. Lai Li-Chin delivered a sensational free-kick goal in the 69th minute, while Su Yu-Hsuan sealed the victory in the 85th minute with a brilliant solo effort following a costly error by Hooda.

India’s Starting XI: Shreya Hooda, Sweety Devi, Ashalata Devi (c), Sangita Basfore, Sanju, Anju Tamang, Dangmei Grace, Indumathi Kathiresan, Manisha Kalyan, Dalima Chhibber, Bala Devi

Chinese Taipei’s Starting XI: Ming-Jung, Li-Ping, Yen-Ping, Hsiang-Huei (c), Hsiu-Chin, Kai Ching, Chia-Ying, Yu-Chieh, Ting Chi, Ying-Hui, Pu-Han.

Re-reported from the article originally published in India TV