Youthful Indian Women's Soccer Team Stomps Turkmenistan 7-0 in Yangon during the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers
In a historic moment for Indian football, the U20 women's team has qualified for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup 2026, ending a 20-year wait. This milestone was achieved after a series of impressive performances in the 2025 AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers Group D.
The Young Tigresses started their campaign on a high note, securing a 7-0 victory against Turkmenistan. Pooja scored one of the goals in the 65th minute, while Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Shubhangi Singh, Sulanjana Raul, and Thoibisana Chanu Toijam contributed with two each. Remi Thokchom provided an assist for Sulanjana Raul's goal in the 38th minute.
The team's impressive form continued as they held Indonesia to a goalless draw, maintaining their position at the top of the table. However, the decisive match was against hosts Myanmar, where Pooja scored the only goal in the 80th minute, securing a 1-0 victory and the group top spot.
India's journey to qualification was not without challenges. The team had to endure a tense final match against Myanmar, with a draw potentially leading to a need for Turkmenistan to snatch at least a point from Indonesia in their last game on the same day.
As of now, India leads the group with 7 points, followed by Indonesia with 5 points. Myanmar and Turkmenistan are currently behind, with Myanmar having 4 points and Turkmenistan 0 points.
The final standings of Group D are as follows:
| Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goal Difference | Points | |-----------|--------|------|-------|--------|-----------------|--------| | India | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | +8 | 7 | | Indonesia | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | +4 | 5 | | Myanmar | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | (Not fully given, but less than India and Indonesia) | 4 | | Turkmenistan | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | (Negative, heavy losses) | 0 |
With this qualification, India is one step closer to historic participation in the 2026 final tournament in Thailand. The team's last match in the qualifiers will be against hosts Myanmar on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 15:00 IST. A win will secure the top spot and a ticket to the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup for the Young Tigresses.
References:
[1] The Hindu. (2025, August 10). India U20 women's football team qualify for AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup after 20 years. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/india-u20-womens-football-team-qualify-for-afc-u-20-womens-asian-cup-after-20-years/article65421649.ece
[2] The Indian Express. (2025, August 10). India U-20 women's football team qualify for AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup after 20 years. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/india-u-20-womens-football-team-qualify-for-afc-u-20-womens-asian-cup-after-20-years-7975704/
[3] Outlook India. (2025, August 10). India U-20 Women's Football Team Qualifies for AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup 2026 After 20 Years. Retrieved from https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/india-u-20-womens-football-team-qualifies-for-afc-u-20-womens-asian-cup-2026-after-20-years-news-197996
The Young Tigresses' victory in the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers Group D has propelled Indian football into the European-leagues realm, as their qualification for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup 2026 marks a long-awaited return after 20 years. The team's impressive sports-analysis, which includes a 7-0 win against Turkmenistan and a clutch goal from Pooja against hosts Myanmar, has cemented their position in the premier-league standings of Group D with 7 points, edging closer to the 2026 final tournament in Thailand. To secure a spot in the tournament, the Young Tigresses must win their final match against hosts Myanmar on August 10, 2025.
