India qualify for AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup for the first time

AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup: India qualified for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup for the first time Last Updated: 18 October 2025, 01:28 IST AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup: Substitute Baske scored an equalizer in the 55th minute and then Anushka Kumari in the 6th minute. Assisted in scoring the goal that overturned India’s lead in Uzbekistan. Indian football team achieved this feat for the first time. Bishkek (Kyrgyz Republic). The Indian women’s football team made a spectacular comeback by defeating Uzbekistan 2-1 here on Friday and qualified for the AFC Under-17 Women’s Asian Cup for the first time. India made a comeback in the game when head coach Joaquim Alexanderson brought on Thandamoni Baske in place of Bonifilia Shulai in the 40th minute. Substitute Baske scored the equalizer in the 55th minute and then assisted Anushka Kumari in the 66th minute as India overturned Uzbekistan’s lead. Shakhzoda Alikhonova gave Uzbekistan the lead in the 38th minute. With this win, India topped Group G with six points and the country qualified for the AFC tournament to be held in China next year. This is his first continental qualification in this age group. The Indian team last participated in the AFC Under-17 Women’s Asian Cup in 2005. India only needed a draw to seal its ticket to China. Despite creating chances in the first half, India were on the brink of defeat. And henceforth the danger of being outside the qualification also began to loom over him. In the 38th minute, Shakhzoda Alikhonova’s volley from outside the box hit the bottom of the crossbar and went in. Alexanderson, who replaced Valena Fernandes with Tania Devi Tonambam in the 21st minute of the first half, showed that he is not reluctant to make changes. He made another change with only five minutes left of the scheduled time which played a vital role in changing the course of the game. About the Author Kamlesh RaiChief Sub-Editor Active in journalism for about 15 years. Studied at Delhi University. Interested in sports especially cricket, badminton, boxing and wrestling. Covered IPL, Commonwealth Games and Pro Wrestling League events. From February 2022…read more Active in journalism for about 15 years. Studied at Delhi University. Interested in sports especially cricket, badminton, boxing and wrestling. Covered IPL, Commonwealth Games and Pro Wrestling League events. From February 2022… read more Location: New Delhi, Delhi First Published: 18 October 2025, 01:28 IST Home Sports India qualified for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup for the first time