Palembang, S Sumatra (ANTARA News) - Women`s soccer will be the first event to be held in Palembang, South Sumatra, as co-host of the 18th Asian Games scheduled from August 18 to September 2, Antara learned here on Saturday.

A team from South Korea will meet China Taipei in the maiden match of Group A at 3pm on Thursday, August 16, which will be followed by a match between Indonesia and Maldives at the same Gelora Sriwijaya Stadium at 6.30pm.

In the Group C elimination round at Bumi Sriwijaya Stadium, Thailand will play against Japan at 6.30pm.

Women`s soccer venue manager Moga Sabittna Septizaldi said the committee has made thorough preparations for the maiden matches.

"Women`s soccer will be one of the favorites. The public response is predicted to be strong, with large numbers of spectators. Moreover, the national team will also play in the first match. In principle, we have been ready to introduce the teams to the mass media,`" she said.

Palembang will host 14 sport events in the 18th Asian Games, which will be centered at Jakabaring Sport City complex. Only soccer will be held outside JSC, which is Bumi Sriwijaya Stadium.

Eleven countries will participate in women`s soccer, including Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan and Maldives in Group A, North Korea, China, Hong Kong and Tajikistan in Group B, and Japan, Vietnam and Thailand in Group C.

Reporting by Dolly Rosana
Editing by Yoseph, A Abdussalam

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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