Vietnam began the match with greater control of possession, while India stayed compact and looked to threaten on the counter. Goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu Elangbam was called into action early, producing a sharp save to deny Van Su. India soon created an opportunity of their own when Sangita Basfore struck a half-volley after Dangmei Grace’s clever chest-down, but the effort was comfortably saved.

The pressure from Vietnam continued to build. Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy nearly opened the scoring after capitalising on a misplaced pass from Sangita, but her effort rattled the crossbar. Panthoi remained busy and produced another important save to deny Bich Thuy moments later.

Vietnam eventually broke the deadlock in the 30th minute. Van Su timed her run well to meet Thai Thi Thao’s pass and curled a composed finish into the net from just inside the box.

India head coach Amelia Valverde responded at half-time with two substitutions, introducing Sanfida Nongrum and Rimpa Haldar. The changes made an immediate impact. In the 52nd minute, a deflected clearance fell kindly to debutant Sanfida, who reacted quickly and fired a powerful left-footed strike past the goalkeeper to level the score.

The equaliser lifted India’s confidence as they pushed forward with more attacking intent. Pyari Xaxa came close with a header from a Rimpa cross, while Sanfida also attempted another header that went narrowly over the bar.

Vietnam slowly regained control and began creating chances through the wings, but Panthoi stood strong once again, making a crucial save to deny Van Su in the 76th minute.

India nearly grabbed a late goal in stoppage time when Manisha Kalyan’s long-range free-kick forced a parry from the goalkeeper, but substitute Kaviya Pakkirisamy was just beaten to the rebound.

However, heartbreak followed moments later. In the fourth minute of added time, Van Su received a cut-back from substitute Vi Thi Hoa and calmly slotted the ball into the net to score her second of the match and secure a late 2–1 victory for Vietnam.

Despite a spirited performance and a debut goal from Sanfida Nongrum, India were left disappointed as the Blue Tigresses narrowly missed out on a point in their tournament opener.

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The camp will serve as preparation for upcoming friendly matches, scheduled between November 24 and December 2, as part of India’s build-up to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.

List of probables:
Goalkeepers: Adrija Sarkhel, Munni, Sowmiya Narayanasamy.
Defenders: Aruna Bag, Dhurga Perumal, Juli Kishan, Kiran Pisda, Malati Munda, Martina Thokchom, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, Sanju.
Midfielders: Anju Tamang, Aveka Singh, Babina Devi Lisham, Jasoda Munda, Priyadharshini Selladurai, Ratanbala Devi Nongmaithem, Sangita Basfore, Santosh.
Forwards: Karishma Shirvoikar, Lynda Kom Serto, Malavika P, Manisha Kalyan, Pyari Xaxa, Sushmita Jadhav.

The selected players will aim to impress the coaching staff as the team continues its preparations for major international competitions in the coming year.

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For head coach Crispin Chettri, this encounter provides a chance to rebound from the 0-2 loss to IR Iran and continue preparations for next year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026, while assessing the depth and versatility of his squad.

“Against Iran, we weren’t at our best, but we treated that match as a learning experience,” Chettri said in the pre-match press conference on Sunday.

“Now we know what it takes to prepare against more physical sides. Nepal are a completely different team, so we’re looking for a better performance tomorrow. We’ll also be giving opportunities to some younger players so that by the time we play the Asian Cup, we have a core group of 30-35 players ready.”

In the squad for the second game, Chettri has included a few youngsters like midfielder Julan Nongmaithem, who captained the U17 side to Asian Cup qualification earlier this month, defender Heirangkhongjam Linda Chanu and goalkeeper Adrija Sarkhel. On the other hand, Manisha Kalyan, who missed the first game, will also be unavailable on Monday due to illness. The forward is under medical care and is expected to be discharged soon.

Chettri emphasised the need for consistency and adaptability. He said, “With Nepal, it will be competitive. Tactically, we might try something different, but our core concept remains – to build from the back, progress through possession, and create scoring opportunities rather than relying on long balls.”

Highlighting the threat posed by Nepal’s attack, he added: “They have players like Sabitra (Bhandari) who are dangerous on counters. We must improve in midfield, control transitions better, and minimise mistakes.”

Forward Pyari Xaxa echoed her coach’s optimism. “Our team is aggressive and eager to perform against Nepal. It will be an exciting game. We’ll enjoy it and give our best to win. Everyone is being trusted to play their part, and I’ll do my best to help the team succeed.”

From Nepal’s perspective, head coach Nabin Neupane expressed cautious confidence. “The match will be hard for us physically, and fatigue is a factor due to travel and the tight schedule. But all our players are fit, and we’ll give our best for the full 90 minutes,” he said.

Nepal suffered a 0-3 defeat to IR Iran on Friday, conceding all three goals in an eight-minute spell early in the second half.

Neupane added that Nepal have focused on improving their defensive organisation and finishing from the previous match against Iran. “We’ve analysed India’s recent games and worked on structure, possession, and attacking opportunities. Matches against India are always competitive, and we’re confident our team is ready.”

Both sides share a long-standing rivalry in South Asian women’s football, ensuring a fiercely contested game on the pitch and a valuable preparation platform for the Blue Tigresses in the lead up to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

Blue Tigresses squad to face Nepal:

Goalkeepers: Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, Adrija Sarkhel.

Defenders: Heirangkhongjam Linda Chanu, Hemam Shilky Devi, Kiran Pisda, Malati Munda, Martina Thokchom, Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi, Sorokhaibam Ranjana Chanu.

Midfielders: Julan Nongmaithem, Lisham Babina Devi, Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi, Sangita Basfore, Santosh.

Forwards: Grace Dangmei, Karishma Purushottam Shirvoikar, Lynda Kom Serto, Mousumi Murmu, Pyari Xaxa, Rimpa Haldar.

Head Coach: Crispin Chettri
Assistant Coach: Priya PV
Assistant Coach: Nivetha Ramadoss
Goalkeeping Coach: Mario Luis Aguiar
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Chelston Pinto

Credits: AIFF Media

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BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN: Captain Julan Nongmaithem turned hero in stoppage time as the Indian U17 women’s team began their AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026 Qualifiers campaign with a thrilling 2-1 win over hosts Kyrgyz Republic at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium on Monday, October 13, 2025.

In a match brimming with emotion, momentum swings, and high stakes, the Young Tigresses, despite being frustrated for the majority of the game, bagged all three points at the death. India are targeting a place in their first AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup since 2005.

After setting up Pearl Fernandes for India’s first goal in the 27th minute, Julan struck a dramatic late winner in injury time to help secure all three points for India. The score was 1-1 at half-time after Kyrgyz Republic’s Akmaral Saiakbaeva equalised in the 33rd minute.

India now sit top of Group G, with only one team from the group progressing to the 12-team finals in China next May. With Uzbekistan the only remaining opponent in the group, this result gives India a crucial early advantage in their qualification bid. Uzbekistan will face Kyrgyz Republic on October 15 before taking on India on October 17.

The match began at a frenetic pace, and it was the hosts who carved out the first real chance in the 8th minute. A lofted pass from midfield found Akmaral Saiakbaeva dashing beyond the Indian defence. She rounded goalkeeper Munni and looked certain to score, but Elizabed Lakra, sprinting back with sheer determination, made a last-ditch clearance to deny what looked like a sure goal.

India regrouped and soon imposed themselves on the game. Their reward came in the 27th minute, after an intricate sequence of passes. Julan Nongmaithem, operating intelligently at the edge of the area, slipped the ball wide to Pearl Fernandes. With space and time, Pearl unleashed a rising left-footed drive that Kyrgyz goalkeeper Midinova Sezimbubu misjudged, tipping her fingers to it but unable to prevent it from landing in the back of the net.

But the hosts responded quickly. Just six minutes later, in the 33rd minute, Saiakbaeva capitalised on a moment of hesitation from India’s backline. A low cross from Sumaiia Makhamatsalieva wasn’t dealt with cleanly by Divyani Linda, whose clearance fell kindly to Saiakbaeva. She lashed home a powerful right-footed strike, drawing the scores level and giving Kyrgyz Republic renewed belief.

The second half was a fierce battle of wills. Both teams tightened defensively, with India’s midfield trio working tirelessly to regain possession, while Kyrgyz Republic sat deeper and looked to counter. Clear-cut chances were few and far between, as both sides tackled aggressively and closed down space with urgency.

As the minutes ticked away, the match appeared destined for a draw. But India had one final twist left.

In stoppage time, Pritika Barman stepped up to take a corner from the right. Her delivery was floated perfectly into the six-yard box, and there was Julan Nongmaithem, rising to the occasion. Getting ahead of her marker Aijamal Choiubekova, the Indian skipper, showed exceptional composure to stick out her foot and guided the ball past the goalkeeper for a sensational injury-time winner.

The Indian bench emptied in celebration as the skipper was mobbed by her teammates. India next play against Uzbekistan.

India U17 Women: Munni (GK), Elizabed Lakra, Divyani Linda, Julan Nongmaithem (C), Anushka Kumari, Pearl Fernandes, Ritu Badaik, Valaina Fernandes (Pritika Barman, 39), Bonifilia Shullai (Thandamoni Baskey, 46), Abhista Basnett, Nira Chanu Longjam.

Credits: AIFF Media

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Placed in a three-team Group G, India will face hosts Kyrgyz Republic on October 13 and Uzbekistan on October 17. Both games will be played at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium and will kick off at 18:30 IST. The group winners will qualify for the 12-team final tournament in China next year.

After winning the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship in Bhutan in August, the Young Tigresses continued their training camp in Bengaluru before shifting base to Goa. They will arrive in Bishkek on Tuesday, October 7, six days before the first match, to help acclimatise to the relatively cooler weather in the Kyrgyz capital.

India’s 23-member squad for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026 Qualifiers

Goalkeepers: Munni, Surajmuni Kumari, Thameena Fathima.

Defenders: Alena Devi Sarangthem, Alisha Lyngdoh, Binita Horo, Divyani Linda, Elizabed Lakra, Joyshini Chanu Huidrom, Ritu Badaik, Taniya Devi Tonambam.

Midfielders: Abhista Basnett, Anita Dungdung, Bonifilia Shullai, Julan Nongmaithem, Pritika Barman, Shveta Rani, Thandamoni Baskey.

Forwards: Anushka Kumari, Anwita Raghuraman, Nira Chanu Longjam, Pearl Fernandes, Valaina Fernandes.

Head coach: Joakim Alexandersson
Assistant coach: Nivetha Ramadoss
Goalkeeping coach: Dipankar Choudhury
Strength and conditioning coach: Anugrah Suresh

India’s schedule:

18:30 IST, October 13: Kyrgyz Republic vs India
18:30 IST, October 17: India vs Uzbekistan

Venue: Dolen Omurzakov Stadium, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic

Credits: AIFF Media

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As a result, India ended the tournament in sixth place after a victory in the group stage against Turkmenistan and losses at the hands of Romania and Uzbekistan.

The first 45 minutes failed to produce any goals, with India enjoying the lion’s share of the chances. The Indian forwards created a flurry of chances in the first 25 minutes – with Sanju, Dangmei Grace and Indumathi all coming close to scoring the opener but were denied by the Kazakh defence.

In the 33rd minute, the Indian eves put the ball in the back of the net, only for the referee to rule out the effort for offside. Kazakhstan threatened the Indian goal in the first half on a couple of occasions, most notably in the 45th minute, but Indian custodian Aditi Chauhan was up to the task and saved a shot from a close-range free-kick.

The second half saw coach Maymol Rocky’s charges come out fired up as they hunted for the go-ahead goal. Dalima Chhibber came close in the 58th minute with a shot from distance and just three minutes later, Ratanbala Devi’s header looked destined for goal but was cleared by the Kazakh defence off the line.

Manisha came on for Anju in the 64th minute and tested the keeper almost immediately with a powerful shot. The Indian side continued to commit players forward as the match headed towards the end but the opening goal still remained elusive. Sanju, Roja Devi and Grace all recorded efforts on goal which, however, did not find the back of the net.

With the game scoreless after regulation time, the players headed for the dreaded penalty shootout. Ashalata Devi put India into a 1-0 lead as her Kazakh counterpart skied her shot. Dalima then stepped up to convert her effort before Manisha saw hers saved by the rival keeper as the score got locked at 2-2.

Grace scored from India’s fourth attempt but Sanju missed her subsequent effort as the Kazakh side converted its last two shots, thus handing the Indian side a narrow 4-3 defeat in the shootout.

India Starting XI: Aditi Chauhan (GK); Dalima Chhibber, Sweety Devi, Ashalata Devi, Jabamani Tudu; Sangita Basfore, Indumathi Kathiresan, Ratanbala Devi; Sanju, Dangmei Grace, Anju Tamang.

AIFF MEDIA

Also Read: Indian U-17 World Cup star to train at English Championship side Blackburn Rovers

Also Read:INDIA U-23 NATIONAL TEAM CAMP KICKS-OFF IN GOA

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India Head Coach Maymol Rocky believes that the early goal proved to be the undoing of her team, as Uzbekistan bagged the win.

“We were unlucky to concede a goal early on, and that cost us in the end. Our girls showed a lot of heart and played really well against quality opposition like Uzbekistan,” said Maymol. “Perhaps if we had taken our chances, the result may have been different.”

Despite the loss, Maymol took heart from the fact that the team has improved a lot in the last couple of years. “A couple of years back (in April 2017) Uzbekistan had defeated us 7-1. Compared to that, this performance is much better. We will take the positives from this match, and look to iron out the mistakes before our next game against Turkmenistan,” she added.

Uzbekistan got off to an early start after the match kicked-off as Burhanova Malika put the Central Asian nation in the lead in the fourth minute. This provided a lot of momentum to the Uzbek attack, but the defence, along with India keeper Aditi Chauhan, managed to keep them at bay in the early exchanges after the goal.

A 25th-minute substitution by India saw Jabamani Tudu replace Michel Castanha at the left-back position. India mounted a few attacks after this substitution, but the Uzbek defence managed to negotiate them.

The Indian eves came out with more conviction in the second half, with Dangmei Grace looking to use her long-range shooting abilities. Defenders Dalima Chhibber and Sweety Devi came to India’s rescue mid-way through the second half, as they made crucial clearances.

India had the golden chance to draw level with just six minutes of regulation time left on the clock, but striker Anju Tamang missed the target from inside the penalty area. Soon after, Chhibber also failed to hit the target from close range, before the referee brought the match to an end.

India Starting XI: Aditi Chauhan; Sweety Devi, Ashalata Devi, Michel Castanha, Dalima Chhibber; Sangita Basfore (C), Ratanbala Devi, Sanju; Dangmei Grace, Manisha, Indumathi.

AIFF MEDIA

Also Read: AIFF reacts post Minerva’s no-show against Kashmir

Also Read: Myanmar pip spirited Nepal in grand finale

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“One loss does not mean you are a bad team,” she said. “We are still on track, and can definitely do better. There is still one match to go. We will go all out to secure a positive result,” she stated.

India will next face title favourites Myanmar in their last group stage match on Wednesday (February 13, 2019) as they search for a spot in the final.

“We are a young side and I am sure the girls are strong-minded and will bounce back. We will prepare hard for the coming match and play our hearts out against Myanmar,” she declared.

The third round of fixtures will see India take on Myanmar in the second match on Wednesday, while IR Iran play Nepal in the other.

In the current standings, Myanmar are on top with six points from two games, followed by India and Nepal with three points each, while IR Iran are yet to open their account.

The tournament regulations state that in case teams are level on points, the goal difference will be considered to determine the rankings. In a situation that the goal difference is also the same, goals scored will be the deciding factor.

If all of the above stays the same, the head-to-head record in the group stage between the two teams will come into play.

Currently, India have a GD of 0, while Nepal stand at -2 and IR Iran at -3.

Talking about her team’s next opponents, coach Rocky said: “Myanmar are the strongest team in the tournament. They have a good set of players in every position and are ranked much higher than us as well.”

The two sides faced off in Myanmar in November 2018 in the 2020 Olympic Qualifiers Round 1, with India falling short by a 1-2 margin after a heroic display.

Maymol feels that her charges have the quality to overturn the previous result.

“We also have a number of quality players in our team. We will go all guns blazing. The team will play as if it is our last game in the competition and will go all out,” she said.

In the previous meeting in Yangon, it was Ratanbala Devi who had scored the lone Indian goal, which was quite similar to her effort against Nepal on Monday. The 19-year-old midfielder opined that her team has the required quality and temperament to pick up the three points.

She said: “We came close to defeating Myanmar at their home four months ago. This time, we will have the home advantage and we will look to make it count.”

The kick-off on Wednesday is at 7 pm and the match will be telecast live on Hotstar.

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“We have introduced fines in this camp. Whenever someone commits any wrong, she is fine,” Maymol, the first ever Indian woman coach in charge of the Senior Women’s Team informs. “Imparting discipline within the squad stayed a priority. Unless you get the pinch, you never learn,” she adds.

The girls don’t mind it as they understand “it’s for a cause.”

Defender Dalima Chhibber, former Captain Indian U-19 Women’s Team smiles. “It unites us. The team bonding becomes better. It makes you more disciplined. It’s fun, but at the same time, it pinches your pocket. It’s up to us to avoid the fines,” she says in one breath.

Keeping in tune with not taking things lightly off the field, Maymol wants the same kind of a smooth transition when the girls play on Monday (July 31). “We won’t be taking them lightly. They are a strong side. Once you are complacent, you will pay the price,” you had to agree with Maymol. “They are playing at home. It’s a big stadium. It’s advantage Malaysia.”

Maymol’s squad has been a conglomeration of exuberant youth and experience.

“Around 10 players have come up the ranks through the age groups. The average age of the side has gone down considerably. Barring around three, all the rest are below 25,” she informs.

As the cars zip past you on the KL Highway, the relaxed bunch of “disciplined” girls, most of whom are from small towns, gaze at the lighted skyscrapers from the window panes of the Team Bus.

“We wanted to take their minds off the game a bit. Hence, we took them to the Petronas twin towers. You also need to relax a bit,” Maymol, flipping through her snazzy mobile utters.

Jabamani Tudu, still a teenager, but already a part of the Senior Indian National Team, like all others, couldn’t stop admiring the might of the twin towers. “We need to repay Maymol-Maam. Despite the hectic practice schedule, she was kind enough to allow us to visit the towers.”

“Payback time,” that’s the buzz word at the Camp now. The new chant under the new Coach needs a perfect take-off.

At the Official press conference, Maymol wasn’t much willing to read into the FIFA Rankings. ”Not that we are a weak Team. But I never go into FIFA Rankings. We are aware of the development made by Malaysia. But we are confident as a Team,” she said.

Pointing at Captain Bala Devi, sitting next, Maymol further stated: ”She has a habit of scoring goals in almost every match.”

‘Will you score tomorrow?’

”It’s not about who scores as long as we score. We have specific roles assigned to us and we need to execute it to perfection,” the India skipper opined.

India is scheduled to lock their horns with Malaysia tomorrow (July 31, 2017) 06:15 PM IST.

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