India’s Under-20 women’s football team made history by qualifying for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 after beating hosts Myanmar 1-0 in Yangon on Sunday, August 10, 2025. The team’s win ended a 20-year wait to reach the Asian Cup, which will be held in Thailand next year.

The only goal of the match came from Pooja, who scored a powerful header in the 27th minute. The victory sparked huge celebrations on the field as India secured their place among Asia’s best teams.

India shines in first half, holds off Myanmar’s attack

The match took place at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon. India dominated the first half with strong attacks and good teamwork. Early in the game, Neha and Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam combined well, almost scoring in the third minute.

Myanmar, the hosts, defended well but tried a few counterattacks. Their forward, Su Su Khin, came close to scoring in the ninth minute after receiving a good pass.

However, it was India who took the lead just before the half-hour mark. Pooja started a fast counterattack and crossed the ball from the right side. The ball went past all defenders and reached Neha on the opposite side, who sent it back into the box. Pooja was quick to react and scored with a strong header, giving India a 1-0 lead.

This goal calmed the Indian players, and they kept control of the game until halftime.

Strong defense helps India hold their lead

The second half was very different. Myanmar’s players, supported by their home crowd, played aggressively to try and equalise. India goalkeeper Monalisha Devi made an important save in the 48th minute to stop a close attempt by Su Su Khin.

India’s team stayed strong and defended well as Myanmar kept attacking. Monalisha, who had not let in any goals in the previous two matches, showed great skill. With 10 minutes left, Myanmar’s substitute Moe Pwint Phyu hit the goalpost twice but could not score.

Even with strong pressure from Myanmar, India did not give up their lead. On a counterattack, Sibani crossed to Sulanjana Raul, whose header also hit the crossbar. Despite these efforts, India’s defence stayed solid, and the match ended 1-0.

This win means India’s U20 women’s team will compete at the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup in Thailand in 2026. It is a proud moment for the team and Indian football after two decades.

India U20 Women’s team lineup:

Monalisha Devi Moirangthem (GK), Remi Thokchom, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam, Arina Devi Nameirakpam (Bhumika Devi Khumukcham 55'), Neha (Deepika Pal 69'), Pooja, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Shubhangi Singh (C), Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam (Babita Kumari 90+1'), Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Sulanjana Raul (Nishima Kumari 90+1').

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