Despite giving a good account of themselves, the Indian women’s national team went down 0-2 to Myanmar in their opening match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers at the Faisal Al Huseni Stadium in Palestine’s West Bank on Tuesday.
The reverse means India’s next game — against Chinese Taipei who emerged 6-0 winners against against hosts Palestine in the Group D curtain-raiser — becomes a must-win affair as only a positive result will keep them in the hunt for a place in the finals of the AFC Cup
“It is a do or die match for us,” national coach Anadi Barua said, according to reports reaching here.
“In such tournaments where you get three games and only one team qualify, there is absolutely no breathing space. We played well against Myanmar, especially in the second half. They got the goals early. We took time to settle and that was the key,” he added.
“Once we got a hold of the match, we looked so much better. I am not taking anything out of Myanmar’s victory. They deserved it. They got the goals, we didn’t. But we played well. On another day, the script could have been different,”
Taipei coach Yen Shih Kai was confident after their big win over Palestine.
“We are confident of doing well against India. I am happy with the way the girls are playing. Lin Ya Han’s hat-trick was a treat to watch. I hope she continues in the same vein in the next two matches.”
On Tuesday, Myanmar rode two first half goals from Naw Phaw and Khin Moe Wai to edge past India in their first Group D encounter.
Naw and Khin scored in the 5th and 26th minutes respectively. Yee Yee Oo’s effort in the 27th minute hit the woodwork.
Striker Bala Devi had a golden opportunity to convert in the 22nd minute after being set up by former India captain Oinam Bembem Devi but failed to connect.