Published: October 13, 2026 at 12:11 pm
India girls made history by becoming the first-ever Indian side to qualify for back-to-back Women’s Asian Cups in any age category. The Under-17 team trounced Malaysia 4-0 to top Group E and qualify for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027 at the MP Selayang Stadium in Selayang, Malaysia. Joakim Alexandersson’s side thus created Indian football history
Redima Devi Chingkhamayum put India ahead midway through the first half with a stunning long-range strike, while Pritika Barman, Anushka Kumari and Nidhi notched a goal each in the second half.
The Indian girls ended with nine points in three matches to remain unbeaten without conceding a goal. Malaysia were second with six points, while Syria and Iraq followed. India had trounced Iraq 14-0 and Syria 2-0.
Heavy rains during the day had rendered the ground slushy, with puddles of water all over. The ball often stopped, putting the brakes on fluent moves and consuming a lot of more energy from the players. A sizeable crowd turned up to cheer the local side under lights as it kicked off at nine at night. But they could only hope that Malaysia would not concede more goals.
India dominate the proceedings
So pronounced was India’s dominance that they could have notched up a big score within the first 25 minutes if not for some fine saves by the home side’s goalkeeper, Putri Aina Husna Binto Mohd Subri.
The Indian girls ended with nine points in three matches to remain unbeaten without conceding a goal. Malaysia were second with six points, while Syria and Iraq followed. India had trounced Iraq 14-0 and Syria 2-0. Pics: AIFF
The midfield trio of Thandamoni Baskey and Redima Devi Chingkhamayum worked overtime to keep up a stream of through passes. Their interceptions prevented the Malaysian attack from gathering momentum, and they barely moved beyond the halfway line.
Silky Devi Sorokhaibam produced a number of crosses from the right while Alva did so from the left. Nira Chanu Longjam saw her header come off the bar. They forced as many as nine corners, which the Malaysian defence dealt with in desperation.
But the Indians could not be denied for long as Redima took from Silky and produced a fierce right-footed strike that crashed into the middle of the net in the 29th minute.
They could have added more when Anushka Kumari beat the onrushing goalkeeper, but her push was saved on the line by Nina Binti Hasmaji.
Anushka Kumari’s brace helps India U-17 women score a dominant 2-0 win over Syria
The trend continued after the break, with Subri denying substitute Pritika and Anushka with timely saves. But after Alva found Anushka free, the dashing striker rolled it for Pritika on the right, who drove home a low right-footed shot to give India a two-goal lead.
Anushka scores eight goals in Qualifiers
Anushka finally got her eighth goal of the Qualifiers as she picked up a clearance following another Indian corner. She sent a long-range strike that dipped low into the near post from on the right.
The Malaysians did move a little better later. Substitute Isabella Luanaigh produced a long run on the right and squared, but goalkeeper Munni dived to gather. She was forced to do that just once later in the game. Centre-backs Julan Nongmaithem and Abhista Basnett took care of the rest with confident displays as the Young Tigresses had nothing to worry about.
Substitute Nidhi went on a solo run from almost 25 yards out. She zig-zagged her way past three defenders, beat the onrushing goalkeeper and pushed home from close range to make it 4-0 with her first-ever international goal.
As the final whistle blew, the Indian camp jumped with joy and celebrated with big smiles all around. Even the local crowd gave them a huge round of applause as they booked their ticket to China with a brilliant performance in all three outings.
Result: India 4 (Redima Devi Chingkhamayum 29’, Pritika Barman 51’, Anushka Kumari 56’, Nidhi 87’) beat Malaysia 0.
