Yangon, Myanmar – The India U20 women’s national football team has booked their place in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026, marking their first qualification in two decades. The Young Tigresses sealed the historic achievement with a 1–0 victory over the hosts, Myanmar, in their final Group D match at the Thuwunna Stadium on Sunday, August 10, 2025. India last featured in the tournament back in 2006.
India topped Group D with seven points from three matches, thanks to winger Pooja’s decisive strike in the 27th minute. Her goal, scored in front of a passionate home crowd, proved enough to secure all three points.
A Game of Two Halves
India started strongly, dominating the first half and creating early chances. Just three minutes into the match, Neha delivered a dangerous cross to Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, who came agonisingly close to scoring. Myanmar, though under pressure, threatened on the counter, with forward Su Su Khin going close in the ninth minute.
The breakthrough came when Pooja initiated a counterattack down the right flank. Her cross missed its intended target, but Neha collected the ball on the opposite side and sent it back into the box. Pooja, having sprinted into the penalty area, managed to bundle it over the line with her torso, giving India the lead before halftime.
Defensive Grit in the Second Half
Myanmar emerged much stronger after the break, pressing hard for an equaliser. Goalkeeper Monalisha Devi was called into action in the 48th minute to deny Su Su Khin. With 10 minutes left, Myanmar substitute Moe Pwint Phyu’s header struck the upright, and the ball rolled dangerously along the goal line before Monalisha intervened to clear it to safety.
India’s defence held firm until the final whistle, preserving their third consecutive clean sheet of the group stage.
India U20 Women’s Squad vs Myanmar:
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′).
This victory not only sends India into the continental tournament but also marks a new chapter for the women’s youth team, signaling their growing strength on the Asian stage.