Kolkata, May 8: After 21 years of returning to the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup stage, India sealed their first victory in the tournament with a dominant 4-0 win over Lebanon on Friday afternoon. The Young Tigresses delivered a graceful performance to secure the victory and three crucial points, which led them to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
After completing three matches, India earned three points despite suffering two defeats, but the four-goal advantage made the difference. In Group B, Japan and Australia qualified for the quarter-finals with two victories each. Meanwhile, in Group C, the clash between the Philippines and Chinese Taipei ended in a 0–0 draw, which gave India the chance to seal their spot in the quarter-finals as the second-best third-placed team after Thailand.
From start to finish, two goals in each half came in the crucial final encounter, and Pamela Conti’s girls delivered when it mattered most. Within seven minutes of the match, Pritika gave India the lead with a brilliant move. From the right flank, Divyani passed the ball to her, and Pritika, entering the box from the right, unleashed a shot into the top corner at the far post.
In the 15th minute, Lebanon got a chance to level the score, but Yara Geitani’s shot from the middle of the box was saved. However, India regained control and started dominating by creating chances and applying constant attacking pressure on their opponents. As a result, they doubled their lead in the 35th minute, from a throw in the chance created when Alva Senjam changed the scoreline with a grounded shot from the left side of the box.
Before half-time, Lebanon won a free-kick after Julan Nongmaithem fouled Marie Joe at 44th minute. However, Munni stayed alert to keep the net untouched, saving Geitani’s effort aimed at the top corner.
The Young Tigresses resumed the game from where they had left off and started the second half with the same attacking intent. Before the final quarter of the match, in the 72nd minute, they scored their third goal. Munni sent a long kick which Alva Senjam received and quickly passed to Joya, who made a brilliant run, cut past all the markers, entered the box from the left, and sent the ball into the net.
In the 84th minute, Anable Zihenni attempted a long-range shot, but Munni stayed alert and made the save. In the next minute, India changed the scoreline to 4–0. From Pearl Fernandes’ pass, Pritika scored to seal the score at 4–0 for the Young Tigresses and secure the crucial victory.
With that, the Young Tigresses secured their first-ever quarter-final spot in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup after making a historic return to the tournament following a 21-year wait. The memorable victory marked a significant milestone for Indian women’s football, as the young side showcased determination, and brilliance on the continental stage.
All the group-stage matches have been played, and with that, China PR and Vietnam from Group A, Japan and Australia from Group B, and DPR Korea and Korea Republic from Group C have qualified for the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Thailand from Group A and India from Group B secured their spots as the two best third-placed teams. These eight teams have now qualified for the upcoming quarter-final clashes, which seemed to be even more intense.
AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup – India vs Lebanon highlights
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