TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan's men's soccer team faced Turkmenistan in the first match of the final round of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers on Tuesday in Kaohsiung, surrendering two goals in the second half to lose the match 1-2.
Taiwan’s lone goal came in the second half by naturalized player Ange Samuel Kouame, which tied the match at 1-1. Turkmenistan scored the winning goal in the 83rd minute. Taiwan coach Gary White praised his players for their performance after the match, per CNA.
It was Taiwan’s fifth consecutive loss to Turkmenistan, a Group D competitor alongside Sri Lanka and Thailand. Each team will play each other in round-robin play in two games (home and away). The winner of the group will qualify for the AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia in early 2027.
Taiwan is currently ranked 165th in the world according to FIFA and will have a difficult time qualifying after the home loss. Other Asian teams that have qualified for the World Cup, such as Japan, Korea, and Qatar earn an automatic berth to the AFC Asian Cup.
Taiwan failed to capitalize on many offensive opportunities in the first half, as the two sides entered the second half with a 0-0 draw. The Turkmenistan team scored first in the 48th minute, with Taiwan keeping its composure and keeping the match close.
Taiwan gained an opportunity when Ange Samuel Kouame was tripped with the ball near the penalty area in the 63rd minute. He scored on the penalty kick.
Turkmenistan scored the winning goal in the 83rd minute. Taiwan will now seek its first victory in group play in Sri Lanka on June 10.
Speaking to the media after the match, White said the team had good control and rhythm in the first half but allowed the opponent to take the initiative in the second. He thought the team performed well overall, but it was not the result everyone wanted.
Kouame said it was his best match for the team in recent days. And despite everyone giving their best effort, “it was a pity that we fell a bit short."
