Agencies
Sydney
India’s campaign in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 came to an end after they went down 1-3 to Chinese Taipei in their final Group C match at Western Sydney Stadium on Tuesday.
Needing a win to keep their hopes of qualification alive, India fought hard but could not overturn the deficit despite a goal from Manisha Kalyan.
Chinese Taipei took the lead in the 12th minute when Su Yu-hsuan tapped the ball into an empty net after a defensive lapse by the Indian backline. India responded positively and created chances through Soumya Guguloth and Pyari Xaxa, but were unable to convert.
India drew level in the 39th minute when Manisha Kalyan struck a powerful free-kick that hit the underside of the crossbar before crossing the line, with the goal confirmed after a VAR review.
However, Chinese Taipei regained the lead deep in first-half injury time when Hsu Yi-yun converted a penalty after the ball struck the post and rebounded off goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu Elangbam into the net.
India pushed forward after the break in search of another equaliser, with Manisha Kalyan going close with a long-range effort while captain Sweety Devi Ngangbam produced a crucial block at the other
end.
Chinese Taipei extended their advantage in the 77th minute when Chen Yu-ting ran through on goal and rounded the goalkeeper before finishing into an empty net.
India continued to press late in the match, with Sanfida Nongrum seeing a volley blocked and Manisha Kalyan striking the upright with a header in the closing stages, but the equaliser never arrived.
The defeat confirmed India’s exit from the tournament as Chinese Taipei secured the 3-1 victory.
India exit Women’s Asian Cup
