The India U20 women’s national team achieved qualification for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026 for the first time in two decades, following a 1-0 victory over the host nation Myanmar in their final Group D match at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, on Sunday, August 10, 2025. The previous occasion on which India qualified for the tournament was in 2006. The Young Tigresses topped their group with a total of seven points, after winger Pooja’s goal in the 27th minute ensured their win in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Thuwunna Stadium.
The match consisted of two distinct halves; the first half was largely controlled by India, whereas Myanmar took charge in the second half. Neha and Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam connected as early as the third minute, with Neha delivering a precise cross to Sibani, who was just inches away from scoring.
Although the hosts faced significant pressure, they did manage to execute a few counterattacks, with forward Su Su Khin coming close to scoring in the ninth minute after receiving a chest pass from Yin Loon Eain.
As the game progressed, the hosts gradually found their rhythm, but India took the lead through Pooja just before the 30-minute mark. Pooja initiated the counterattack and delivered a cross from the right side. The ball evaded everyone, but Neha, positioned on the opposite flank, managed to connect with it and sent it back into the box. By that time, Pooja had advanced to the goal area and, with little time to spare, nudged it over the line using her torso.
This alleviated the tension within the Indian camp, at least until the conclusion of the first half. The Young Tigresses maintained possession of the ball and carried their narrow advantage into the halftime break.
The second half, however, presented an entirely different challenge. Energized by the support of their home crowd, Myanmar launched an aggressive offensive, compelling India’s goalkeeper Monalisha Devi to execute a crucial save in the 48th minute to deny Su Su Khin.
India had fortified their defenses and remained resolute as they withstood numerous Myanmar assaults. Monalisha, who had not allowed a single goal in the preceding two matches, was called into action with just 10 minutes remaining when Myanmar substitute Moe Pwint Phyu directed a header from a cross by Ei Thet Phyo against the post. The ball rolled dangerously along the goal line before the Indian goalkeeper sprang into action, clearing it to safety.
Phyu hit the woodwork once again in the 90th minute, her shot deflecting off Shubhangi before striking the upright and bouncing out of play. Shortly thereafter, India initiated a counterattack, with Sibani providing a cross to Sulanjana Raul, who also struck the woodwork, her header hitting the crossbar. Despite the continuous pressure from the home team, India held onto their lead and secured qualification for the first time in two decades. India U20 Women: 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′).