Thailand,apr 8
The Indian U20 women’s national team kept alive their hopes of qualifying for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 knockout stage after defeating Chinese Taipei 3-1 in their final Group C match at the Pathum Thani Stadium in Pathum Thani, Thailand, on Wednesday.India forward Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam (32′, 87′ p) scored two after Bhumika Devi Khumukcham (26′) had put the Young Tigresses in the lead early on. Substitute Kao Hsin (90+3′) pulled one back for Chinese Taipei in the closing stages. It was India’s first win in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup since 2004, according to a press release.With this result, India finished third in Group C with three points from as many matches. Any other result will see the winners of the aforementioned match qualify. Having lost their first two matches against Japan (0-6) and Australia (0-5), the Young Tigresses looked eager to overturn their fortunes against Chinese Taipei, and controlled the proceedings early on. They had their first real chance on the quarter-hour mark when Lhingdeikim was played through behind the defence as a deflection looped the ball over the defenders’ heads. The Indian attacker had just the goalkeeper to beat, but her volley was saved from point-blank range.The Young Tigresses soon drew first blood in the 26th minute, when Sibani sent in a cross from the right, which was missed by both Lhingdeikim and Sulanjana Raul. However, an unmarked Bhumika, running in at the far post, smashed it in first time, as the ball took a deflection off a defender before bulging the net.India earned a late penalty for a Chinese Taipei handball inside their box, which Sibani converted in the 87th minute, leaving no doubts about the result, even though Kao Hsin pulled one back in injury time for the East Asian island nation.India U20 Women Squad: Ribansi Jamu (GK), Thoibisana Chanu Toijam, Pooja (Shilji Shaji 84′), Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Lhingdeikim, Bhumika Devi Khumukcham, Remi Thokchom, Shubhangi Singh (C) (Shruti Kumari 67′), Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam, Sulanjana Raul (Neha 67′), Cindy Colney.
