India edge past Myanmar to qualify for AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026

India edge past Myanmar to qualify for AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026:

The India U-20 women’s national team made history on Sunday, August 10, 2025, securing qualification for the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026 for the first time in two decades. The Young Tigresses edged past hosts Myanmar 1–0 in a tense final Group D clash at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon.

Winger Pooja’s 27th-minute goal proved to be the decisive moment in a game that saw India top the group with seven points and finish unbeaten. The win also sealed their return to Asia’s premier youth competition for the first time since 2006.

India started brightly and nearly took the lead inside the opening minutes. Neha whipped in a dangerous cross in the third minute, just out of reach for Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam. While Myanmar gradually settled into the game, it was India who struck first. The goal came from a counter-attack initiated by Pooja herself, whose cross from the right eventually found its way back to her via Neha’s looping return. Reacting quickly inside the six-yard box, Pooja bundled the ball over the line with her torso to give India the lead.

The first half belonged to India, but Myanmar dominated the second. Backed by a vocal home crowd, they pushed hard for an equaliser. India goalkeeper Monalisha Devi stood tall under pressure, making a crucial save in the 48th minute and denying multiple close calls—including two nervy moments when Myanmar struck the woodwork in the dying minutes.

Despite the late pressure, India held on, defending resolutely to seal a famous victory and a place in the continental tournament.

In recognition of this historic achievement, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced a ₹22 lakh reward for the team.