India’s Under-17 women’s football team created history after defeating Lebanon 4-0 in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026, securing a place in the quarter-finals of the tournament for the first time ever. The Young Tigresses delivered an outstanding performance at the Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre in China and achieved one of the biggest moments in Indian women’s football history.
The historic victory helped India qualify for the knockout stage of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup for the very first time. It also marked India’s first appearance in the knockout stage of any AFC women’s tournament since the AFC U19 Women’s Championship in 2004. Football experts described the achievement as a major breakthrough for the development of women’s football in the country.
India started the match with strong attacking intent and took the lead early through Pritika Barman in the seventh minute. The forward showed excellent composure inside the penalty area to give India an important early advantage. Lebanon tried to respond, but the Indian defence remained organized and controlled the pace of the game confidently.
The Young Tigresses continued pressing forward and doubled their lead in the 36th minute when Alva Devi Senjam scored with a clinical finish. India dominated possession for long periods and created several attacking opportunities as Lebanon struggled to stop the Indian midfield and forward players. The second goal gave India full control of the match before halftime.
In the second half, India continued their aggressive style of play and added a third goal through Joya in the 72nd minute. The team remained focused and energetic despite the pressure of needing a big victory to improve their qualification chances. Pritika Barman then completed her brace in the 85th minute to seal a famous 4-0 victory for the Indian side.
The result became even more special after other group results confirmed India’s qualification for the quarter-finals as one of the best third-placed teams in the competition. According to tournament officials, India will now face hosts China in the quarter-finals on May 11. A victory in the next round would also secure India a place in the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, bringing the team one step closer to another historic achievement.
The win was India’s first victory in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup since 2005, making the achievement even more significant for the young squad. Coaches and football officials praised the players for their discipline, teamwork, and fighting spirit throughout the tournament. The team had earlier faced difficult matches against stronger opponents but showed remarkable improvement and determination in the final group-stage game.
After the match, the Indian players celebrated emotionally with coaching staff and supporters. Goalscorers Pritika Barman, Alva Devi Senjam, and Joya said the team believed they could achieve something special and worked hard for this moment. The players also dedicated the victory to Indian football fans who have continued supporting women’s football in recent years.
India’s remarkable performance has received praise from football fans, sports officials, and former players across the country. Many experts believe the success of the Young Tigresses could inspire a new generation of girls to take up football and strengthen the future of women’s football in India. The quarter-final clash against China is now expected to attract major attention as the Indian team aims to continue its dream run in the tournament.
A strong smell at a shopping mall in Tokyo triggered a major emergency response with at least 19 pe
Recent missile strikes in Ukraine have escalated regional tensions, prompting urgent calls for inter
A tense exchange between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping during high-level talks has raised questions ab
Indigenous treaty rights and constitutional protections are becoming major obstacles in Alberta’s gr
