India's AFC Women's Asian Cup group A match vs Chinese Taipei was on Sunday called off minutes before kickoff after as many as 12 players from the home team tested positive for COVID-19 and two were laid low by injuries.
A top source of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed the development to PTI following which the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) also issued a statement.
"Following several positive cases of COVID-19, India failed to
name the required minimum of 13 players for the Group A match against Chinese Taipei," the AFC stated.
The Group A match not taking place means the hosts' chances of qualifying for the quarterfinals of the 12-nation premier continental showpiece are bleak. The match was to take place at the DY Patil Stadium.
India were held to a goalless draw by Iran in their tournament-opener and there were a couple of COVID cases in the team even before that game.