Football
AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers: India qualifies for Asian Cup- Highlights
India's U20 women’s football team qualified for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup. Highlights.
India’s U20 women’s football team booked their place at the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 with a gritty 1-0 win over hosts Myanmar in Yangon.
The decisive moment came in the 27th minute when Neha’s cross from the left found its way into the box, and Pooja headed home after the Myanmar goalkeeper spilled the ball.
India started the match cautiously but grew in confidence after the goal, pressing high and keeping Myanmar under sustained pressure.
The hosts fought back, with Daisy Aung and Naing Naing Win spearheading their attacks, but Monalisha Devi stood firm in goal, producing a spectacular save in the 22nd minute and staying composed throughout.
Myanmar thought they had equalised in the 80th minute when Moe Pwint Phyu’s shot was clawed out by Monalisha, but the referee ruled the ball had not fully crossed the line, sparking controversy.
India brought on fresh legs in attack through Deepika Pal to relieve pressure, but much of the final 20 minutes saw the Young Tigresses defending resolutely.
Five minutes of added time brought intense pressure from the hosts, with the home crowd in full voice, but India’s backline held strong.
The final whistle sparked scenes of celebration as India ended a two-decade wait for qualification, joining Asia’s elite in Thailand next year.
As it happened:
Live Updates
- 10 Aug 2025 10:41 AM GMT
51’ Promising move fizzles out!
Remi Thokchom launches a throw-in from the right, finding Pooja, who swings in a cross towards the box. The delivery has height but drifts straight into the waiting gloves of Myanmar keeper Thu Zar Aung.
- 10 Aug 2025 10:32 AM GMT
46’ Second half underway!
India restarts the action, knocking the ball around confidently as they look to build on their first-half lead.
- 10 Aug 2025 10:19 AM GMT
HT- India lead at the break!
A first-half goal from Pooja separates the sides in this tense qualifier. The Young Tigresses have looked sharper in attack since the goal, while Myanmar pushed late but couldn’t find a way past Monalisha Devi. All to play for in the second half.
- 10 Aug 2025 10:16 AM GMT
45’ Side-netting spares India!
A handball just outside the box gifts Myanmar a dangerous free-kick. Daisy Aung curls it with intent, but the effort smacks into the side-netting. Two minutes of added time to play in this first half.
- 10 Aug 2025 10:13 AM GMT
43’ Hosts press before the break!
Myanmar are throwing numbers forward in search of a leveller, working the flanks and pumping balls into the box. India’s defence holds firm, looking to take their slender lead into halftime.
- 10 Aug 2025 10:10 AM GMT
39’ Comfortable stop for Monalisha!
Sandar Lin bursts forward on the left for Myanmar and tries her luck from distance. The strike has power but is straight at Monalisha Devi, who gathers cleanly to keep India in control.
- 10 Aug 2025 10:05 AM GMT
35’ India turn up the heat!
Buoyed by the opener, the Young Tigresses are swarming forward with confidence, pressing high and pinning Myanmar back. The hosts look hesitant in possession, struggling to match India’s pace and intensity as the crowd grows restless.
- 10 Aug 2025 9:59 AM GMT
27’ India strike first in Yangon!
Neha ghosts in at the far post to collect a deep cross from the right, sliding it into the box. The Myanmar keeper fumbles under pressure, and Pooja reacts quickest, rising to nod the loose ball into the net and put the Young Tigresses ahead.
- 10 Aug 2025 9:54 AM GMT
22' WHAT A SAVE!
Monalisha Devi dives full stretch to her right, parrying away a thunderous long-range strike from Daisy Aung. The Myanmar midfielder caught it sweetly from outside the box, but the Indian goalkeeper’s sharp reflexes preserve the clean sheet.
- 10 Aug 2025 9:47 AM GMT
Home crowd in full voice!
The Myanmar fans are relentless, drums echoing around the stadium and chants rolling like waves, pushing their team forward with every touch.
