India’s U17 women’s football team made history on Sunday, October 11, by defeating Malaysia 4-0 in their final Group E match to qualify for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027.
The Young Tigresses delivered a commanding performance at the MP Selayang Stadium in Selayang, Malaysia, to finish their qualifying campaign with a perfect record.
Redima Devi Chingkhamayum opened the scoring in the first half before Pritika Barman, Anushka Kumari and Nidhi added three more goals after the break. The victory ensured India topped Group E with nine points from three matches, having scored 20 goals without conceding a single goal.
The qualification also marked a historic achievement for Indian football, as the Young Tigresses became the first Indian team to qualify for consecutive editions of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup at any age level, including the senior team.
Redima Devi Opens Scoring Against Malaysia
With qualification at stake, India started the decisive encounter with attacking intent. Both teams had won their opening two matches, making the contest a direct battle for the sole qualifying spot available from Group E.
India broke the deadlock in the 29th minute when Redima Devi Chingkhamayum produced a stunning long-range strike to give the visitors the lead. The goal provided the Young Tigresses with the advantage they needed to settle into the contest.
Malaysia attempted to respond, but India maintained their defensive discipline and carried a 1-0 lead into half-time.
Three Second-Half Goals Seal Historic Qualification
India came out strongly after the interval and doubled their advantage in the 51st minute through Pritika Barman. Just five minutes later, Anushka Kumari found the net with a powerful effort from outside the penalty area to make it 3-0.
Nidhi completed the scoring in the 87th minute, ensuring India finished the contest with a convincing four-goal margin.
The Young Tigresses had begun their campaign with a remarkable 14-0 victory over Iraq before defeating Syria 2-0. Their dominant performance against Malaysia capped a flawless qualifying run under head coach Joakim Alexandersson.
India Set Sights On Asian Cup 2027
The AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027 will feature 12 teams, with eight group winners from the qualifiers joining defending champions North Korea, runners-up Japan, semi-finalists Australia and hosts China.
India’s qualification marks another significant step in the development of women’s football in the country.