The very best of Asian women’s football national teams battle it out for a ticket to the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship Finals in China.
Here’s what you need to know about the youth tournament that features Asian women’s football stars of tomorrow…
The History
The 2017 AFC U-19 Women’s Championship is only the 9th edition of this youth tournament, organised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and celebrated on biennial basis. The first championship took place back in 2002 in India, reinforcing women’s football status as a true force to be reckon with, thanks in part to the dramatic epic-final-clash between Japan and Chinese Taipei. Japan ended winning the final by a score of 2 to 1.
Japan is the defending champion and the most successful team, having won the youth competition 4 times. out of the former 8 editions. For all the number geeks out there, that’s a 50% winning-championship-rate in an international tournament!!!
Final mission: since its conception, the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship has acted as the AFC qualifiers for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. And this edition is not the exception. The top three teams will win a ticket to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup to be held in France in 2018.
The Format & Groups of the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship
Japan, DPR Korea, Korea Republic and China PR – the top 4 teams of the 2015 AFC U-19 Women’s Championship – have earned a direct pass to the finals; paving the road for 14 nations to face other at the thrilling one-round qualifiers stage:
Group A (November 2 – 6): Australia (Invited Nation), Jordan, Northern Mariana Islands
Group B (October 27 – 31): Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Tajikistan
Group C (December 20 – 24): Thailand, Myanmar, Palestine, Kyrgyzstan
Group D (November 2 – 6): Iran, Vietnam, India
Each nation plays one match against their group mates. Only the 1st place teams from each group (4 in total) qualify to the final round against the aforementioned top 4 nations of the previous edition. Out of these 8 teams, only the best 3 will travel to France for the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Full Schedule: http://www.the-afc.com/afcasfeeds?view=all&id=191&type=Stage#ui-tabs-1
Tajikistan: AKA The Underdogs
Their last official performance at the CAFA U-19 Women’s Cup was a disappointment to most of their compatriots. However, no one can deny their inherent love and passion for the “beautiful game”. To many, Tajikistan carries football’s underdog spirit. Call it “X Factor”, or just being constantly underestimated, but their unpredictability is exactly what makes them an exciting team to watch. After all, if football history has taught us anything is that we should expect the unexpected.
Tajikistan’s Journey:
Uzbekistan vs Tajikistan
Thursday October 27th, 17h Tajikistan Time
Free Live Streaming: https://mycujoo.tv/ch/273?id=2926
Tajikistan vs Chinese Taipei
Saturday October 29th, 17h Tajikistan Time
Free Live Streaming: https://mycujoo.tv/ch/273?id=2928
Hong Kong vs Tajikistan
Monday October 31st, 16h Tajikistan Time
Free Live Streaming: https://mycujoo.tv/ch/273?id=2930
How to follow the tournament
Official Page: http://www.the-afc.com/competition/afc-u-19-women%E2%80%99s-championship
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theafcdotcom
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theafchub
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/theafcdotcom
Official Hashtags: #U19WC #TheAFC #StarsOfTomorrow
Free Live Streaming: https://mycujoo.tv/ch/273
By Tomás Naranjo-Cluet –
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