China Coach Urges Composure Ahead of Taiwan Encounter at AFC Asian Cup

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1239 EAT on Friday 13 March 2026

Ante Milicic, coach of China women’s national football team, has called on his players to stay “calm and confident” ahead of Saturday’s tense Women’s Asian Cup quarterfinal against Chinese Taipei women’s national football team.

China, the reigning champions, are aiming for a record 10th continental title but remain cautious of a Taiwanese side that has grown stronger as the tournament has progressed.

Chinese Taipei women’s national football team suffered a 2-0 defeat to tournament favourites Japan women’s national football team in the group stage but proved they could compete at a high level.

“They gave Japan a very difficult game and then went on to win their next two matches, so we know this will be a tough proposition,” Ante Milicic said ahead of Saturday’s quarterfinal in Perth.

“If we stick to our game plan, stay calm and confident, and take it one match at a time, we have a strong chance of success and can aim to go further in the tournament.”

Chinese Taipei have drawn passionate support in Australia, though their campaign has not been without controversy. In their last match against India in Sydney, former coach Chen Kuei-jen was ejected for leading a “Taiwan Jiayu” (“Go Taiwan”) chant, prompting a protest to the Asian Football Confederation by Taiwan’s foreign ministry over alleged “unequal treatment.”

In line with international regulations, Taiwan competes under the name Chinese Taipei.

The arrangement stems from a political compromise with China, enabling the island to compete in major international events without being recognized as a sovereign state.

China maintains that Taiwan is part of its territory.

Prasobchoke Chokemor, coach of Chinese Taipei women’s national football team, kept the focus on football during his pre-match news conference on Friday.

“We can say we did well against Japan women’s national football team, holding them to a 0-0 draw in the first half,” the Thai coach said.

“It will be a different game tactically, but we are confident we can compete against top-level players if we stay focused on ourselves and fight as a team.”

The quarterfinal carries more than just a place in the semifinals. A top-six finish will also secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, raising the stakes for both sides.

-Aljazeera

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