Indian U-17 Women’s Team Creates History, Qualifies for Asian Cup for the First Time

India’s Under-17 women’s football team has qualified for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 for the first time in history. The team achieved this after defeating Uzbekistan 2-1 in a match held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The young Indian team made an impressive comeback to secure the victory.

India was on the back foot at halftime after Shakhzoda Alikhonova scored for Uzbekistan in the 38th minute. However, tactical decisions by Head Coach Joakim Alexandersson changed the course of the match in the second half. Thandamani Baskey, who came on as a substitute, scored the equalizing goal in the 55th minute. She then assisted Anushka Kumari, who scored the winning goal in the 66th minute. With this result, India finished at the top of Group G with six points from two games, securing their first-ever qualification for the Asian Cup.