India U20 started brightly, showing intent in the early exchanges with quick transitions and attacking movement. Sulanjana Raul and Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam were instrumental on the flanks, while Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam was involved in promising build-up play in the final third.

Australia U20, however, took control late in the first half. Skye Halmarick opened the scoring from the penalty spot before adding a second goal within a minute, shifting the momentum firmly in their favour heading into the break.

The second half saw Australia U20 extend their advantage, with Halmarick completing her hat-trick soon after the restart. Danella Brutus added a fourth, as India U20 continued to show resilience despite the scoreline. Goalkeeper Monalisha Devi Moirangthem produced several important saves to keep her side in the contest.

India U20 continued to push forward and nearly found a breakthrough late on when Bhumika Devi Khumukcham delivered a precise cross into the box, but the chance went narrowly wide. Australia U20 eventually added a fifth in stoppage time through Daisy Brown to round off the result.

The defeat leaves India U20 at the bottom of Group C, but qualification hopes remain intact. A win in the final group-stage encounter against Chinese Taipei women’s national under-20 football team could still secure progression to the knockout stage.

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India will begin their journey against Japan on April 2, followed by clashes against Australia on April 5 and Chinese Taipei on April 8. With a spot in the quarter-finals and potential qualification to the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup 2026 on the line, the team will look to make the most of this opportunity.

The preparations have been extensive, starting with a camp in Bengaluru, followed by a month-long exposure tour in Sweden where the team faced senior club opposition. After returning, the squad continued training in Kolkata before arriving in Bangkok on March 20 to adapt to conditions ahead of the tournament.

India’s 23-member squad for AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026:

Goalkeepers: Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Nandini, Ribansi Jamu.

Defenders: Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Nishima Kumari, Remi Thokchom, Ruchi Yadav, Sahena TH, Shubhangi Singh, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam.

Midfielders: Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam, Arina Devi Nameirakpam, Bhumika Devi Khumukcham, Monisha Singha, Neha, Pooja, Shruti Kumari.

Forwards: Babita Kumari, Deepika Pal, Lhingdeikim, Shilji Shaji, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Sulanjana Raul.

With a well-balanced squad and solid preparation behind them, the Young Tigresses will aim to compete strongly in the group stage and push for a place in the knockout rounds.

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The draw, held in Bangkok, placed India in Group C, one of the toughest pools of the tournament, featuring some of Asia’s strongest and most experienced teams. The championship will see 12 nations compete for continental glory, with the top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed sides progressing to the knockout stage.

India earned their return to the competition after nearly two decades by finishing top of their qualifying group earlier this year, ahead of Myanmar, Indonesia, and Turkmenistan. The team impressed with their top quality and teamwork throughout the qualifiers.

Their qualification marks a significant milestone for Indian women’s football, as the young Blue Tigresses prepare to compete against the continent’s best. While the task ahead is challenging, it also presents a valuable opportunity for India’s rising stars to gain experience, showcase their progress, and continue the nation’s growing presence in Asian football.

As India prepare for their long-awaited return, the focus will be on building momentum and belief. This appearance after 19 years is not just a comeback — it’s a statement of progress and promise for the future of women’s football in India. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed sides, will qualify for the quarter-finals, and the four semi-finalists will earn a berth at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026.

AFC U20 WOMEN’S ASIAN CUP THAILAND 2026 FINAL DRAW

Group A: Thailand, China PR, Vietnam, Bangladesh
Group B: DPR Korea, Korea Republic, Uzbekistan, Jordan
Group C: Japan, Australia, Chinese Taipei, India

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The matches will be played in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, on October 25 and 28, and will form part of India’s preparations for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup, which will be held in April 2026.

After a brief camp at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru, the Young Tigresses departed for Kazakhstan on the morning of October 23 and will arrive in Shymkent in the evening.

India U20 women’s 23-member squad for Kazakhstan friendlies:

Goalkeepers: Melody Chanu Keisham, Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Ribansi Jamu.

Defenders: Alina Chingakham, Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Juhi Singh, Nishima Kumari, Remi Thokchom, Shubhangi Singh, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam, Viksit Bara.

Midfielders: Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam, Arina Devi Nameirakpam, Bhumika Devi Khumukcham, Khushbu Saroj, Neha, Pooja.

Forwards: Babita Kumari, Deepika Pal, Kajol Dsouza, Lhingdeikim, Shilji Shaji, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam.

Head coach: Joakim Alexandersson
Assistant coach: Rutuja Shinde
Goalkeeping coach: Hameed KK

Fixtures:
11:30 IST, October 25: Kazakhstan U19 Women vs India U20 Women
11:30 IST, October 28: Kazakhstan U19 Women vs India U20 Women
Venue: Shymkent, Kazakhstan

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