Yangon (Myanmar): Captain Shubhangi Singh and Sulanjana Raul netted a brace each as India thrashed Turkmenistan 7-0 in their second Group D clash of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers on Friday.
Shubhangi scored in the 7th and 42nd minutes, while Sulanjana struck in the 38th and deep into stoppage time (90+4’). Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam (14’), Thoibisana Chanu Toijam (35’) and Pooja (65’) added a goal apiece at the Thuwunna Stadium.
The emphatic win lifted the Young Tigresses to the top of Group D with four points and a +7 goal difference. Hosts Myanmar, who drew 2-2 with Indonesia earlier in the day, are second with the same points but a +5 goal difference.
Eager to bounce back from their opening-day stalemate against Indonesia, India came out firing. Sulanjana’s 7th-minute corner was converted from close range by Shubhangi. Seven minutes later, Sibani doubled the lead after Neha’s cross deflected off goalkeeper Elnura Maksyutova, with Pooja’s pressure forcing a loose ball into Sibani’s path.
India, coached by Joakim Alexandersson, kept attacking in waves. Thoibisana made it 3-0 in the 35th minute with a header from another Sulanjana corner, before Sulanjana herself scored after being set up by Remi Thokchom. Shubhangi’s second, just before half-time, stretched the lead to 5-0.
In the second half, India maintained the pressure, with Pooja and substitute Deepika scoring from close range to complete the rout.
India now face Myanmar in a decisive clash on Sunday. A win will seal top spot and qualification for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup. A draw would leave them relying on Turkmenistan to take points off Indonesia later the same day.
