India secured their spot in the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup football tournament for the first time in 20 years by defeating Myanmar 1-0 in their final Group D qualifying match at the Thuwunna Stadium.
Pooja's goal in the 27th minute helped India top the group with seven points, earning them a place in the 2026 main tournament in Thailand.
The match saw India controlling the first half, while Myanmar dominated the second half of the game.
In the early minutes, Neha and Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam created a threatening opportunity for India. Myanmar responded with counter-attacks, with Su Su Khin nearly scoring in the ninth minute.
The decisive goal came from Pooja before the 30-minute mark. She initiated a counter-attack and crossed from the right. While the ball missed several players, Neha managed to loop it back from the opposite flank.
Pooja, positioned at the goalmouth, used her torso to guide the ball over the line. This goal provided India with a crucial advantage heading into halftime.
The second half witnessed a transformed Myanmar team, supported by their home crowd. Indian goalkeeper Monalisha Devi made a crucial save in the 48th minute to deny Su Su Khin.
India's defense remained resilient against multiple Myanmar attacks throughout the second half.
With 10 minutes remaining, Monalisha maintained her clean sheet when Myanmar substitute Moe Pwint Phyu headed a cross from Ei Thet Phyo onto the post. The ball rolled on the goal line before Monalisha swept it away.
Phyu struck the woodwork again in the 90th minute when her shot deflected off Shubhangi and went out of play.
In the closing moments, India counter-attacked with Sibani's cross finding Sulanjana Raul, whose header hit the crossbar.
Despite intense pressure from the host team, India maintained their lead to qualify for the tournament for the first time since 2006.
The Indian goalkeeper Monalisha's impressive performance helped her maintain a clean sheet for the third consecutive match.
Pooja's goal in the 27th minute helped India top the group with seven points, earning them a place in the 2026 main tournament in Thailand.
The match saw India controlling the first half, while Myanmar dominated the second half of the game.
In the early minutes, Neha and Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam created a threatening opportunity for India. Myanmar responded with counter-attacks, with Su Su Khin nearly scoring in the ninth minute.
The decisive goal came from Pooja before the 30-minute mark. She initiated a counter-attack and crossed from the right. While the ball missed several players, Neha managed to loop it back from the opposite flank.
Pooja, positioned at the goalmouth, used her torso to guide the ball over the line. This goal provided India with a crucial advantage heading into halftime.
The second half witnessed a transformed Myanmar team, supported by their home crowd. Indian goalkeeper Monalisha Devi made a crucial save in the 48th minute to deny Su Su Khin.
India's defense remained resilient against multiple Myanmar attacks throughout the second half.
With 10 minutes remaining, Monalisha maintained her clean sheet when Myanmar substitute Moe Pwint Phyu headed a cross from Ei Thet Phyo onto the post. The ball rolled on the goal line before Monalisha swept it away.
Phyu struck the woodwork again in the 90th minute when her shot deflected off Shubhangi and went out of play.
In the closing moments, India counter-attacked with Sibani's cross finding Sulanjana Raul, whose header hit the crossbar.
Despite intense pressure from the host team, India maintained their lead to qualify for the tournament for the first time since 2006.
The Indian goalkeeper Monalisha's impressive performance helped her maintain a clean sheet for the third consecutive match.
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