Chiang Mai, Thailand – June 29, 2025: The Indian senior women’s football team continued their dominant run in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers with a commanding 4-0 win over Timor-Leste at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai. Manisha Kalyan starred with a brace, while Anju Tamang and Lynda Kom Serto added a goal each to seal India’s second straight win in Group B.

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India entered the fixture high on confidence after a record 13-0 win against Mongolia, and it didn’t take long for the Blue Tigresses to assert control. In the 12th minute, Manisha opened the scoring with a blistering run and a left-footed strike following a smooth exchange with Tamang on the left flank.

Despite several close calls in the first half— including Pyari Xaxa’s curling shot that hit the post and Soumya Guguloth testing the goalkeeper—Blue Tigress went into the break with just a 1-0 lead, though clearly in control of the game.

The second half saw India resume their attacking dominance. In the 58th minute, Sanju delivered a teasing cross that Timor-Leste’s goalkeeper Gorette Da Costa failed to clear, allowing Anju Tamang to tap in from close range.

Manisha netted her second of the evening in the 80th minute with a stunning strike from the edge of the box, taking her tournament tally to three goals. Blue Tigress’s final flourish came in the 86th minute through a brilliant team move. Grace Dangmei and Lynda Kom Serto combined in midfield, and Grace’s unselfish assist allowed Lynda to calmly slot the ball home.

Blue Tigress’s clean sheet was another positive takeaway, with goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu barely troubled throughout the match. With this win, Blue Tigress sit at the top of Group B with six points from two games, positioning themselves strongly in the race for qualification.

Match Summary:

India 4–0 Timor-Leste
Scorers: Manisha Kalyan (12’, 80’), Anju Tamang (58’), Lynda Kom Serto (86’)

India Starting XI:

Elangbam Panthoi Chanu (GK), Ngangbam Sweety Devi (Martina Thokchom 87’), Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi, Hemam Shilky Devi, Sangita Basfore (Karthika Angamuthu 82’), Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi, Sanju, Anju Tamang (Grace Dangmei 82’), Pyari Xaxa (Lynda Kom Serto 58’), Manisha Kalyan, Soumya Guguloth (Malavika 58’)

India now await the outcome of the Iraq vs Thailand clash later in the day, as they continue their charge for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 qualification.