Seven-time champions China commenced their title pursuit at the
15th Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Asian Cup 2006
today as they defeated first group opponents Chinese Taipei 2-0 in
Adelaide, Australia.
In the first half, China's Dalian strike duo of Han Duan and Ma
Xiaoxu set the attacking pace. They found their rhythm early and
had the ball in the net as early as the 11th minute when Han headed
to score from a Bi Yan free kick in the front field.
Chinese Taipei could have tied the game in the 33rd minute when
Li Mingshu navigated into China's penalty area, but she missed the
final shot.
The early part of second half saw a more balanced play from the
two teams until the 65th minute when Chinese Taipei's goalie Huang
Fengqiu didn't fend off a corner kick to the front of the line,
which left China's Pu Wei to clear to score the decider.
