Six of the groups in the AFC preliminary round were played FRI 17-THU 30 SEP 2021. Indonesia, Iran, Korea Rep, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam advanced to the Women’s Asian Cup.

Iran earned top spot in Group G on penalties over Jordan. With both teams having defeated Bangladesh 5-0, their match against one another went to a penalty shootout after ending goalless. Iranian captain Behnaz TAHERKHANI, fresh off two goals against Bangladesh, converted the first spot kick to lead her side to the Women’s Asian Cup for the first time in their history.

Indonesia defeated Singapore 2-0 on aggregate to win Group C, a group reduced to only two teams after Iraq and Korea DPR were forced to withdraw. BAIQ AMIATUN Shalihah scored early in the first leg to lead Indonesia to their first Women’s Asian Cup appearance in 33 years.

The six teams join Australia, China PR, Japan, and host nation India at the Women’s Asian Cup. Two other places will be decided in OCT 2021.

The Women’s Asian Cup starts in India on THU 20 JAN 2022 and will decide the AFC’s five places at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, as well as two places in the playoffs.