AFC Women's Asian Cup Final: Preview

The Asian Football Confederation could have a new women's champions when China PR meet Korea Republic in the 2022 Women's Asian Cup final.

The 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup final is taking place on Sunday, February 6, 2022 with China PR taking on Korea Republic. While the Chinese are the tournament's most successful nation, this is a maiden finals appearance for the Korean women.

Chinese PR versus Korea Republic

China PR will face Korea Republic in the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup final.
China has won the tournament eight times, while this is Korea Republic's first chance at Asia's top prize.
Vietnam will face Chinese Taipei in the last Women's Asian Cup play-off to determine the last AFC automatic 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifier.

More AFC Women's Asian Cup news can be found on The Women's Game.

The AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022 final could crown a new Asian Cup women's champion. It could also extend China PR's dominance in this tournament and crown them Asian champions for the ninth time.

Meeting in Mumbai's D.Y. Patil Stadium, the Chinese will be led by five-time champion, head coach Shui Qingxia. Shui will be hoping her experience can overcome Colin Bell's side, Korea Republic.

It will be a tough match for the Koreans. They have not bested their Chinese opponents in their last seven fixtures. However, Bell does not seem to be bothered by this statistic:

“I don’t see us not having a win against China PR a problem," said Bell to the AFC's website ahead of the game.

"Maybe it is a problem for China PR but it is time now for us to put an end to that (winless streak) and we are ready to put this behind us.

"We don’t want to think about these figures, if we did we wouldn’t be here.

“The team was in a different place in 2020 (Olympic Qualifiers), we had very few matches and it was difficult for the team to get games going.

"Despite losing to China PR on aggregate, we took in our stride and persevered.

“We have improved so much as a team since last year.

"We have some really good players in our squad but I don’t have to teach Ji So-yun how to play, the aim here is to increase the endurance, fitness and confidence of these players.”

Shui for her part was forthright when speaking of China PR's finals opponents:

“Korea Republic is a strong opponent and an outstanding team in Asia.

"They have made plenty of improvements in their game over the years and have some outstanding players.

“I played in plenty of matches as a player. All I can say is that the players should all have the self belief and confidence to play in the final. They should just perform at their best.

“Facing Korea Republic will be difficult. We have had just a short time to prepare and make adjustments, not just on the game but mentally as well.

“There is no point thinking about past records against Korea Republic.

"In a final, there will be many different scenarios played out and we will have to be prepared.

"Perseverance equals success and maybe, there might be some unforeseeable circumstances but we will be prepared.

The game will be played at 22:00 AEDT. Broadcast information is listed below.

AFC World Cup Automatic Qualifier

Prior to today's final, the last round-robin play-off match will take place to decide the fifth automatic qualifier of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

The fifth automatic qualifiers was being determined by a round-robin play-offs between the Quarter-Final losers, excluding Australia who have automatically qualified as hosts.

The three game round-robin play-offs for fifth place had commenced last Wednesday between Thailand, Vietnam and Chinese Taipei.

Vietnam beat Thailand by a scoreline of 2-0 on February 2, 2022. Chinese Taipei then beat the Thais 3-0 on February 4, 2022.

With a win each and three points apiece, the last automatic qualification position will be determined during a showdown between Vietnam and Chinese Taipei on Sunday, February 6, 2022.

Chinese Taipei have previously taken part in a World Cup, having participated once in the 1991 FIFA Women's World Cup. A win by Vietnam though would mark their inaugural appearance at football's top competition.

Australian Broadcast Schedule

Match	Date	Time (AEDT)	Countries	Broadcast
Play Off 3	6 Feb	1900	Vietnam vs. Chinese Taipei	10Play
Final	6 Feb	2200	China PR vs. Korea Republic	10Play