(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
India Thrashes Turkmenistan 7-0 in AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers
The Indian women’s football team delivered a commanding performance, defeating Turkmenistan 7-0 in their second Group D match of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar, on Friday.
Captain Shubhangi Singh starred with two goals (7’, 42’), while Sulanjana Raul also netted twice (38’, 90+4’). Sibani (14’), Thoibisana Chanu (35’), and Pooja (65’) added to the impressive tally, sealing a dominant win for India.
With this result, India tops Group D with four points and a +7 goal difference, edging hosts Myanmar, who have the same points but a +5 goal difference. The Indian side held Indonesia to a goalless draw in their opening match.
A win or even a draw against Myanmar in their final group game on Sunday will likely secure India’s direct qualification to the main AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup tournament in Thailand next year — a first in 20 years since India last competed in the 2006 U19 edition.
A total of 32 teams are competing for 11 spots in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026, with hosts Thailand already qualified. The eight group winners and the three best second-placed teams will earn places in the tournament.
The upcoming clash between India and Myanmar will decide the Group D winner. Even a draw could be enough for India, depending on other results in the group, including the outcome of the Indonesia vs. Turkmenistan match.
India’s dominant display started early, with Shubhangi Singh opening the scoring from a corner and adding another just before halftime as India led 5-0 at the break. Two more second-half goals ensured a convincing victory to keep India’s hopes alive.
