Bishkek: Displaying sheer grit and determination, India scripted history by qualifying for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup for the first time ever, after a thrilling 2–1 comeback victory over Uzbekistan in their final qualifier at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium, according to the AIFF’s official website.
Head coach Joakim Alexandersson’s tactical brilliance turned the game around when he brought on Thandamoni Baskey for Bonifilia Shullai in the 40th minute. The substitution proved decisive — Thandamoni equalised in the 55th minute and later assisted Anushka Kumari for the winning goal in the 66th. Earlier, Shakhzoda Alikhonova had given Uzbekistan the lead in the 38th minute.
With this win, India topped Group G with six points from two matches, securing a place in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026 — their first-ever qualification at this level. The Young Tigresses last featured in the tournament in 2005, when teams entered directly without qualifiers.
Although India needed only a draw to qualify, Uzbekistan began aggressively, pressing high and targeting the Indian defence down the left flank. India relied on quick counters, with Anushka testing goalkeeper Mariya Khalkulova with a volley early on.
The first half ended with India trailing after Alikhonova’s stunning strike from outside the box. But Alexandersson’s early substitutions — including Taniya Devi Tonambam for Valaina Fernandes in the 21st minute — signalled India’s intent to fight back.
The turnaround came in the second half. A moment of brilliance from Thandamoni — who won back the ball inside the box and fired home at the near post — brought India level. Eleven minutes later, Anushka and Thandamoni combined beautifully to give India the lead, with Anushka finishing calmly past the keeper.
From there, India held firm. Uzbekistan lost composure as India’s defence and midfield worked tirelessly to deny them any real chances. Thandamoni nearly set up another in the 83rd minute for Pritika Barman, but the shot was smothered by defenders.
In the dying minutes, India showed maturity beyond their years, managing the game effectively to seal a historic qualification.
With this achievement, the Young Tigresses joined the senior and U20 women’s teams in qualifying for their respective continental tournaments — marking a new era for women’s football in India.
