India end 20-year wait to qualify for AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup

by

New Delhi: India defeated hosts Myanmar 1-0 in Yangon on Sunday to book a spot in the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup for the first time in two decades.

In their final Group D fixture, winger Pooja scored the match winning goal in the 27th minute at the Thuwunna Stadium to help India emerge as group toppers with seven points from three matches.

India had began their campaign with a goalless draw with Indonesia before thumping Turkmenistan 7-0, followed by their win over Myanmar.

India set the pace in the first half and created an opportunity in the third minute when Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam couldn’t reach Neha’s cross.

Myanmar absorbed all the pressure they were put under and tried to put together a few counter attacks but they weren’t substantial enough.

But the home side began to gain foothold as the game went won until India went ahead minutes before the half hour mark.

Pooja began the move with a cross from the right, which evaded everyone and went to Neha, who sent the ball into the box from the opposite flank.

Pooja had moved towards the six-yard box and got lucky as the ball thudded in from her body after Myanmar keeper had come off her line and missed the flight.

India went into the break preserving their lead as they concentrated of keeping possession of the ball during this period of play.

But after the change of ends, momentum shifted towards Myanmar as they forced India keeper Monalisha Devi into a sharp save in the 48th minute.

It encouraged Myanmar as they launched a wave of attacks that kep Monalisha busy as Myanmar substitute Moe Pwint Phyu’s header rebounded off the upright 10 minutes before the regulation time.

Before the ball could roll past the line, Monalisha dived backwards to swipe the ball away. India were fortunate for the second time in the 90th minute when Phyu’s crashed into the upright again.

India’s response second later also hit the frame of the goal as Sulanjana Raul headed Sibani’s cross.

It was the nearest both teams would come to score in the remaining few minutes of added time.