China lifts the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup

Navi Mumbai: China PR came from two goals down to defeat Korea Republic 3-2 in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 final at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

Korea Republic looked to be cruising to their first crown after taking a 2-0 lead at half-time but China PR fought back after the breakthrough goals from Tang Jiali, Zhang Linyan, and Xiao Yuyi – who netted the winner deep into added time to seal her side a record-extending ninth title.

China PR entered the final chasing a record-extending ninth AFC Women’s Asian Cup title against a Korea Republic side who had never laid their hands on the coveted trophy.

China PR, unbeaten in seven previous meetings with Korea Republic, started the game brightly and had the first look at the goal within seconds when Wu Chengshu played the ball to Tang Jiali just above the area, but the midfielder’s effort was easily dealt with by Korea Republic goalkeeper Kim Jung-mi.

China PR continued to press with Zhang Xin trying from 35 yards out while Wang Shuang saw her effort in the 10th minute saved by Kim.

Korea Republic began to see more of the ball as the half progressed and were rewarded with their first look at goal in the 27th minute, with Lee Geum-min breaking into the box before sending a cross to Choe Yu-Ri to score the 100th goal of the tournament.

With Korea Republic in the ascendancy, China PR survived a scare at the half-hour mark, goalkeeper Zhou Yu pulling off a point-blank save to deny Lim Seon-Joo’s header off a free-kick.

China PR, however, suffered more woe in the closing stages of the first half when a VAR review saw Korea Republic awarded a penalty following Yao Lingwei’s handball, with Ji So-yun converting from the spot.

China PR head coach Shui Qingxia sent on Xiao Yuyi and Zhang Rui at the start of the second half to force their way back into the game but Korea Republic gave them little room to operate in the early stages.

China PR, however, received a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty after Lee Young-ju’s handball, with Tang Jiali netting from the spot in the 68th minute.

Boosted by the goal, China PR began to dictate play and drew level four minutes later thanks to some poor defending by Korea Republic.

Goalscorer Tang did well to beat two Korea Republic defenders before sending a delightful cross into the six-yard box for an unmarked Zhang Linyan to nod home the equalizer.

Korea Republic could have then won it at the death with Zhou Yu pulling off a one-handed save before defender Wang Xiaoxue blocked Son Hwa-Yeon’s effort.

Having escaped, China PR broke Korea Republic’s hearts in added time with Xiao Yuyi stunningly finishing off Wang Shanshan’s assist.

Individual Awards

Most Valuable Player: Wang Shanshan (China PR)

Top Goalscorer: Samantha Kerr (Australia)

Best Goalkeeper: Zhu Yu (China PR)