AFC Women's Asian Cup
Four years after Shui Qingxia’s charges staged a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Korea Republic in the 2022 final to seal a record-extending ninth title, China PR are chasing history once more – this time under Ante Milicic.
Factfile
FIFA Ranking: 17
Previous appearances: 15
Best finish: Champions (9 times)
2022 record: Champions
How they qualified: 2022 Champions
Group B fixtures - March 3: v Bangladesh; March 6: v Uzbekistan; March 9: v DPR Korea
Fun fact: China PR have also emerged runners-up twice in the competition
FIFA Ranking: 17
Previous appearances: 15
Best finish: Champions (9 times)
2022 record: Champions
How they qualified: 2022 Champions
Group B fixtures - March 3: v Bangladesh; March 6: v Uzbekistan; March 9: v DPR Korea
Fun fact: China PR have also emerged runners-up twice in the competition
#WAC2022 - FINAL | China PR 3 - 2 Korea Republic
Former Australia women’s head coach Milicic has been tasked with guiding the Steel Roses into a new era, blending experience and emerging talent as the East Asian side pursue back-to-back titles.
“The new (China PR) girls want to create their own history,” said Milicic. “Growing up in Sydney, I know how strong the Chinese community is here.
“But it’s also up to us as players and staff to make them proud and put on good performances so we can send them away from the stadiums happy.”
“The new (China PR) girls want to create their own history,” said Milicic. “Growing up in Sydney, I know how strong the Chinese community is here.
“But it’s also up to us as players and staff to make them proud and put on good performances so we can send them away from the stadiums happy.”
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Despite boasting nine continental crowns, China PR are still rediscovering their ruthless edge that defined their 2022 triumph.
The success of Wuhan Jiangda Women's FC in winning the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League™ 2024/25 provided a timely boost, with three of their key players – Wang Shuang, Wu Haiyan and Yao Wei – forming the backbone of Milicic’s squad.
The success of Wuhan Jiangda Women's FC in winning the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League™ 2024/25 provided a timely boost, with three of their key players – Wang Shuang, Wu Haiyan and Yao Wei – forming the backbone of Milicic’s squad.
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Drawn in Group B, China PR will face Bangladesh, Uzbekistan and three-time champions DPR Korea with the latter likely to be their sternest test.
Their ambition, however, is clear - defend the title to reaffirm their place at the summit of Asian football.
Their ambition, however, is clear - defend the title to reaffirm their place at the summit of Asian football.
