India’s women’s football team continued their dominant run at the AFC Qualifiers Women’s Asian Cup 2026, beating Timor-Leste 4–0 in their second group match at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai.
After their record-breaking 13–0 victory over Mongolia, the Blue Tigresses followed it up with another composed, clinical performance, making it two wins from two and jumping to the top of Group B with six points and a +17 goal difference.
Manisha Kalyan once again stole the spotlight with a well-taken brace, while Anju Tamang and Lynda Kom added one goal each to seal the deal for India. It was a game India controlled from the start, but it also showed that this team is growing match by match in decision-making, discipline, and execution.
Manisha Strikes Early, India Dictate the Tempo
The game began with India looking to seize control straight away. Within minutes, the midfield duo of Sangita Basfore and Soumya Gugoloth were setting the pace, spreading the ball wide to Anju and Manisha. In just the 4th minute, Pyari Xaxa got the first real opening after a clever ball in behind the defence, but her shot was rushed and off target.
The breakthrough came in the 13th minute and it was worth the wait. Manisha Kalyan, receiving the ball on the right flank, turned on the afterburners, cut inside her defender and curled a sublime shot into the top corner from a tight angle. It was the kind of finish you expect from a player full of confidence and Manisha certainly is, now with three goals in two games at the tournament.
Despite dominating the half and pressing relentlessly in the final third, India couldn’t add to the score before the break. Timor-Leste, playing their third match in a week, defended with heart, often keeping eight players behind the ball. Anju Tamang, Sanju, and Grace Dangmei all threatened, while Pyari continued to be active in the box, though her finishing touch wasn’t quite there. The teams went into halftime with India leading 1–0, though the gap in quality was far greater than the scoreline suggested.
Substitutions Make the Difference, Attack Comes Alive
The second half brought renewed urgency from India and some smart tactical tweaks by head coach Crispin Chettri. Within 10 minutes of the restart, the lead was doubled. A deep cross from Sanju evaded the defence and the goalkeeper, falling perfectly to Anju Tamang, who calmly tapped in from close range to make it 2–0 in the 55th minute.
India smelled blood and pressed harder. In the 65th minute, Lynda Kom nearly added her name to the scoresheet after a superb build-up. Anju chested down a Sanju cross, laid it off for Lynda, whose half-volley was heading goalwards before being saved by a sharp low dive from Timor’s keeper Da Costa.
The third goal came in the 80th minute and it was classic Manisha again. After winning the ball in midfield, Lynda found Anju on the edge of the box, who then squared it to Manisha. With time and space, she smashed the ball past the near post, leaving the goalkeeper no chance and making it 3–0.
Just minutes later, Lynda Kom finally got the reward for her hard work. It was a beautifully worked team goal. Grace Dangmei danced through two defenders on the right wing before squaring a low ball into the box. Lynda was perfectly placed and coolly slotted it home to round off India’s 4–0 win.
From start to finish, it was a complete performance. The defence, led by Ashalata Devi and Sweety Devi, kept things tight at the back, allowing goalkeeper Shreya Hooda a largely quiet outing. The midfield operated with control, while the front four created chances consistently. India finished with more than 20 attempts on goal and over 70% possession.
Group Standings and the Road Ahead
With six points from two matches and a huge +17 goal difference, India now sits comfortably on top of Group B ahead of Iraq (4 points) and Thailand (3 points). Timor-Leste, who held Iraq to a draw earlier but were outplayed by Thailand, now have just a single point from three games.
India’s next match is on July 2 against Iraq, and that will be a defining fixture in the group. A win would put India in prime position ahead of their final group game against hosts Thailand. Only the group winner qualifies directly for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, and goal difference could yet prove decisive.
The match against Timor-Leste also showed India’s squad depth. Players like Lynda Kom, Sanju, and Soumya Gugoloth are growing in influence, and the ability to rotate without losing attacking sharpness will be critical as the fixtures become tougher.
Post-match, head coach Crispin Chettri praised the team’s performance but cautioned against complacency. “We controlled the tempo and executed the game plan well. The finishing was more composed in the second half, and I’m proud of the way the players stayed patient and disciplined,” he said. “But we know the job is not done. The next two matches will be even more demanding.”
Two matches, two clean sheets, 17 goals scored, and clear signs of tactical clarity that’s the story so far for India in Chiang Mai. The Blue Tigresses are showing not just dominance, but cohesion. Players like Manisha Kalyan are stepping up as genuine match-winners, while the team around them is evolving with each game.
Yes, the challenges ahead particularly Iraq and Thailand will be tougher. But India has done what was expected of them so far, and done it with style. More than the goals, it’s the way the team is approaching games with composure, pressing intensity, and movement in the final third that will give fans hope.
With six points on the board, a double-digit goal difference, and a squad playing with belief, India is shaping up to be a serious contender for that coveted Asian Cup spot.
Final Score: India 4–0 Timor-Leste
Scorers: Manisha Kalyan (13’, 80’), Anju Tamang (55’), Lynda Kom (84’)
Next Match: India vs Iraq – July 2, 2025
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