India U17: Maiden AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualification! Squads & Results

In the final game of their qualifying round, the India U17 women’s football team defeated Uzbekistan 2-1 at Dolen Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek on Friday, 17 October 2025, to secure their first-ever qualification position for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup. It is the first-ever India U17 women’s football batch to earn the prestigious spots in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026.

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Team Strategy and Focus

Before the game, India U17 captain Julan Nongmaithem talked about the team’s readiness and the effort they have put in to play Uzbekistan. She also emphasized how resilient they were in their opening game, which they won 2-1 over the Kyrgyz Republic.

Before the game began, head coach Joakim Alexandersson expressed his dissatisfaction with the previous game against the Kyrgyz Republic, saying that they wanted to show more potential and that their desired style of play did not really materialize. Despite this, they earned their three points.

The head coach also commented on their opponents and mentioned the Kyrgyz Republic was physically fit, but Uzbekistan tried to play more with the ball. On a positive note, he said they will obviously go for a win, not for drawing the match.

Match Highlights: India U17 vs Uzbekistan U17

Friday’s match, India U17 vs Uzbekistan U17, was the last qualifying match in Group G in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Here is the full match summary.

Full Match Summary:

In the 38th minute, Shakhroda Alikhonova had given Uzbekistan a one-goal lead. Indian head coach Joakim Alexanderson broke Uzbekistan’s lead by winning 2–1 points by substituting Thandamoni Baskey for Bonifilia Shullai in the 40th minute and Anushka Kumari in the 66th to stop the lead.

India will advance to Group G of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026 if they win or draw this match. It had only been eleven years since the Blue Tigresses had played in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup in 2005, when eleven teams were directly involved.

Thandamonis’ goal, which came at 56′ after a deft pass through Uzbekistan’s formidable defense, was the highlight of the Indian football team’s remarkable performance. A goal from Anushka Kumari at the 66-second mark gave them a 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan.

Although another good chance was made by Thandamoni at the 83rd minute when she passed the ball to Pritika Barman, but it failed to goal through Uzbekistan’s defence.

Squads: India U17 vs Uzbekistan U17

India: Munni (GK) Lakra E, Linda D ( barman P 46′, Dungdung A 90+1), Nongnaaithem J (C), Kumari A, Fernandes P, Badaik R (Devi A S 46′), Fernandes V ( Tananban DT 21′), Shullai B ( Barkey T 40′), Basneit A, Lonjaam C N.

Standings of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup:

In conclusion, even though Young Tigress is making history by qualifying for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup for the first time, the India U17 women’s football team still has a chance to win the AFC Women’s Asian Cup China 2026. India needs to be ready for more important games in the days ahead. #Blue Tigresses.