* Goal: Su Yu Hsuan 26'

Head coach Mai Duc Chung made only one change to the starting lineup from the opening match victory against India, replacing Huynh Nhu with Hai Yen at striker. Playing at 1 p.m. local time in 38-degree Celsius heat, Vietnam, with seven players over 30 and four over 20, struggled against the younger Chinese Taipei squad. The opponents controlled possession, dictated the pace, and frequently accelerated into Vietnam's penalty area, though their initial two shots lacked accuracy.

Unable to retain possession, Vietnam retreated defensively for the first 20 minutes. It was not until the 21st minute that the red-shirted players managed their first entry into the penalty box with a light touch from Van Su, which the opposing goalkeeper easily collected.

Tran Thi Duyen struggled to defend against Chinese Taipei attacks in the second match of Group C, 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup finals, this afternoon, 7/3. Photo: AFC

Tran Thi Duyen struggled to defend against Chinese Taipei attacks in the second match of Group C, 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup finals, this afternoon, 7/3. Photo: AFC

In their 0-2 loss to Japan, Chinese Taipei primarily defended with numbers. Today, however, they launched diverse attacks from both wings and the center. In the 26th minute, a move down the left flank led to a cross into the penalty area. Hsu Yi Yun skillfully shielded the ball before turning and laying it off for Matsunaga, whose chip shot sailed over goalkeeper Kim Thanh. The ball hit the crossbar and rebounded, allowing Su Yu Hsuan to rush in and head it home from close range, opening the scoring.

Vietnam offered little resistance after conceding. Thanh Nha, considered the team's fittest player and dubbed "the winger whirlwind," also felt the impact of the heat. The 24-year-old midfielder frequently needed water and rarely initiated dangerous attacks. Midfielder Duong Thi Van suffered a muscle strain, requiring medical attention. Vietnam's only clear scoring opportunity came in the 29th minute, but Tran Thi Duyen, unmarked in the penalty area after a good pass from Hai Yen, shot wide of the goal.

Towards the end of the first half, goalkeeper Kim Thanh made an excellent reflex save from a direct shot by Wu Kai Chang. The powerful shot forced Vietnam's number one goalkeeper to make two attempts to secure the ball.

Facing a potential loss and the difficult path to the quarterfinals, coach Mai Duc Chung made personnel adjustments at the start of the second half, bringing on Huynh Nhu and Hai Linh. From this point, the team regained control, applied more pressure, and pushed their opponents back.

In the 67th minute, Thai Thao delivered a cross into the penalty area for Bich Thuy to strike powerfully. The ball deflected off a Chinese Taipei defender's hand. Vietnam appealed for a penalty, but VAR did not intervene. Immediately after, goalkeeper Kim Thanh rushed out to clear the ball and then collapsed in pain. Chinese Taipei attacked an open goal, but the referee blew the whistle for medical staff to attend to Kim Thanh. The Chinese Taipei coach reacted strongly, believing that without the whistle, his team had a clear chance to extend their lead.

In the final minutes, Vietnam poured all their efforts into attack, and Ngoc Minh Chuyen had an opportunity in the 90th minute, but she lost her footing and missed from close range. In the 90+7th minute, Minh Chuyen fell in the penalty area, and VAR was consulted, but no penalty was awarded to Vietnam.

The 0-1 defeat leaves Vietnam in third place in Group C, though they currently lead the group of third-place teams with the best record after two rounds. However, in their final group match on 10/3, Vietnam will face Japan. A heavy loss could see coach Mai Duc Chung's team exit the tournament early.

Center-back Diem My attempting to defend against a Chinese Taipei player in the second match of Group C, 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup finals, this afternoon, 7/3. Photo: AFC

Center-back Diem My attempting to defend against a Chinese Taipei player in the second match of Group C, 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup finals, this afternoon, 7/3. Photo: AFC

The 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup runs from 1/3 to 21/3 across three Australian cities: Sydney, Perth, and Gold Coast. Twelve national teams compete, divided into three groups. The top two teams from each group and the two best third-place teams advance to the quarterfinals.

The four teams reaching the semi-finals will secure direct qualification for the World Cup. The four losing teams in the quarterfinals will play off in pairs for two additional berths. Subsequently, the two losing teams from these playoffs will participate in inter-confederation playoffs, alongside representatives from Africa, South America, North and Central America (two teams), Oceania, and Europe (one team). These teams will compete for the final three World Cup spots in February 2027.

Lineups

Vietnam: Kim Thanh, Thai Thi Thao, Diem My, Tran Thi Duyen (Truc Huong 80'), Thu Thao, Duong Thi Van (Hai Linh 46'), Thanh Nha (Minh Chuyen 90'), Cu Thi Huynh Nhu, Bich Thuy (Nguyen Thi Hoa 80'), Van Su, Hai Yen (Huynh Nhu 46').

Chinese Taipei: Wang Yu Ting, Chang Chi Lan, Su Sin Yun, Wu Kai Ching, Chen Ying Hui, Huang Ke Sin, Hsu Yi Yun, Saki Matsunaga, Chen Jin Wen, Su Yu Hsuan, Chen Yu Chin

Duc Dong