The 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup – India threw up numerous moments that will live long in the memory, with China crowned champions for the first time in 16 years and two ASEAN sides advancing to their maiden appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
On an individual level, Sam Kerr and Shui Qingxia were among those to create their own pieces of history in a tournament that saw an expanded 12 teams compete for the right to be crowned continental champions.
After the dust has settled on the Asian Football Confederation’s first competition of 2022, the AFC Media shines the spotlight on some of the facts and figures that caught the eye.
So long the dominant side in women’s football in Asia, China had not won the AFC Women’s Asian Cup since being crowned continental champions for the eighth time back in 2006.
Two goals down against Korea Republic in the final, that seemed unlikely to change until an amazing turnaround culminated in Xiao Yuyi’s stoppage-time winner and a record ninth title – six more than both North Korea and Chinese Taipei.
While the Matildas will have been disappointed with their showing at India 2022, star striker Sam Kerr yet again underlined her status as one of the greatest players Australia has ever produced.
The Chelsea striker finished the campaign as top scorer on seven goals, and, more significantly, surpassed Tim Cahill to become Australia’s all-time record goalscorer on 56.