Wu Chengshu (L) of China vies with Lin Ya Han of Chinese Taipei during the 2022 EAFF (East Asian Football Federation) E-1 Football Championship women's match between China and Chinese Taipei at Toyota Stadium in Toyota City in Aichi prefecture, Japan, July 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
TOKYO, July 20 (Xinhua) -- China kicked off their 2022 East Asian Football Championships women's campaign with a 2-0 win over Chinese Taipei at the Toyota Stadium here on Wednesday.
The newly-crowned Asian Cup champions made their eighth appearance in the East Asian Championships, with star players Wang Shuang and Wu Haiyan returning from injuries.
Zhang Linyan, who recently signed with Grasshopper Club Zurich, put China ahead just 12 minutes into the game, as she collected a pass from captain Wang Shanshan inside the box and sent the ball into the bottom corner after a smooth turn.
Just a few minutes later, Wang's header following a corner kick hit the woodwork.
In the 22nd minute, Chinese Taipei defender Su Sin-Yun tickled the ball into her own net to make it 2-0 for China after goalkeeper Cheng Ssu-Yu failed to collect a cross from Yao Wei.
Zhang had a one-on-one chance with a through ball but was denied by the goalkeeper right before halftime.
Lou Jiahui almost extended China's lead just after the hour mark as she followed up the fumble by Chinese Taipei goalie from close range but her shot hit the near post.
Chinese Taipei had probably their best chance in the 87th minute when Chen Yen-Ping's shot hit the post.
"The most important thing is that we won the game," said China coach Shui Qingxia. "And hopefully some of the players will adjust through these games."
China will face South Korea, who lost to hosts Japan 2-1 in the women's opening game on Tuesday, on July 23, and Japan on July 26. ■
Xiao Yuyi (R) of China shoots during the 2022 EAFF (East Asian Football Federation) E-1 Football Championship women's match between China and Chinese Taipei at Toyota Stadium in Toyota City in Aichi prefecture, Japan, July 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
Tang Jiali (1st R) of China shoots during the 2022 EAFF (East Asian Football Federation) E-1 Football Championship women's match between China and Chinese Taipei at Toyota Stadium in Toyota City in Aichi prefecture, Japan, July 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
Fans of China cheer after the 2022 EAFF (East Asian Football Federation) E-1 Football Championship women's match between China and Chinese Taipei at Toyota Stadium in Toyota City in Aichi prefecture, Japan, July 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
Lou Jiahui (2nd R) of China shoots during the 2022 EAFF (East Asian Football Federation) E-1 Football Championship women's match between China and Chinese Taipei at Toyota Stadium in Toyota City in Aichi prefecture, Japan, July 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
