Live Update: AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers - India versus Myanmar Match Starts Imminently; Indian Youngsters Aim to Overcome Final Obstacle
India U20 Women's Football Team Secures Qualification for AFC Asian Cup After 20-Year Absence
The India U20 women's football team has made history by qualifying for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup for the first time in two decades. This achievement comes after a successful campaign in the qualifiers, where they finished undefeated in Group D.
The team's journey began with a 0-0 draw against Indonesia, followed by a thrilling 7-0 victory over Turkmenistan, and culminated in a 1-0 win against hosts Myanmar. The decisive goal against Myanmar, scored by Pooja, ensured India finished top of their group without conceding any goals.
This campaign marked India's return to the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup since their last qualification in 2006. The final and decisive match against Myanmar was held on August 10, 2025, at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar, in front of a full crowd.
In the qualifiers, India topped Group D with 7 points (two wins and one draw), achieving a superior goal difference (+8) compared to Myanmar, who also had 4 points but a lower goal difference (+5).
The team's success in the qualifiers is a testament to long-term developmental efforts in Indian women’s football and grassroots initiatives supported by the AIFF and Sports Authority of India.
As for the upcoming games, the India U20 women's football team's next scheduled competitive games will be in the main AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup tournament in Thailand in 2026. The specific fixtures for the main tournament are not yet announced but will follow the qualification success.
For those interested, the live score updates for the India U20 women's football team's match against Myanmar will be available here. Unfortunately, the match will not be telecast on any TV channel in India. However, it will be streamed live on the Indian Football YouTube Channel.
The match, scheduled to start at 3pm IST, serves as a significant opportunity for Indian players to showcase their skills and potential. The team includes goalkeepers Melody Chanu Keisham, Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, and Ribansi Jamu. The defense includes Alina Chingakham, Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Juhi Singh, Nishima Kumari, Remi Thokchom, Sahena TH, Shubhangi Singh, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam, and Viksit Bara. The midfielders are Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam, Arina Devi Nameirakpam, Bhumika Devi Khumukcham, Monisha Singha, Neha, and Pooja. The forwards are Babita Kumari, Deepika Pal, Khushbu Kashiram Saroj, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, and Sulanjana Raul.
Coached by Joakim Alexandersson, the team is also supported by assistant coach Paromita Sit, goalkeeper coach Hameed KK, and strength and conditioning coach Karan Mane.
This match against Myanmar is a preview of the potential talent and progress in Indian women's football. The recent success in youth football has coincided with a significant improvement in the FIFA Women's Rankings, indicating a promising future for Indian women's football.
[1] AIFF Official Website [2] Sports Authority of India Official Website [3] AFC Official Website [4] Myanmar Football Federation Official Website
The India U20 women's football team's impressive performance in the qualifiers has proven that their love for sports, particularly football, is continuously growing. Their next challenge lies in the main AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup tournament in Thailand in 2026, where they will showcase their football skills on a larger stage.
