A night of heart, grit, and late drama unfolded at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium as India U17 women’s team opened their AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026 Qualifiers campaign with a thrilling 2–1 victory over hosts Kyrgyz Republic.
It was a result that carried both emotional resonance and competitive significance, as the Young Tigresses took a major step toward qualifying for their first continental finals in two decades. The spotlight belonged to captain Julan Nongmaithem, who set up India’s opener and then delivered the match-winning goal in stoppage time a performance that embodied leadership and composure under pressure. India now lead Group G, with Uzbekistan the only other team in contention for the lone qualification spot.
A Nervy Start, a Timely Response
The game kicked off at a frenetic tempo, with both sides eager to seize early momentum. The hosts, backed by a vocal crowd, nearly stunned India within eight minutes. A lofted through ball from midfield split the Indian defence, releasing Akmaral Saiakbaeva clean through on goal. She rounded Indian goalkeeper Munni, but just as the ball rolled toward an open net, Elizabed Lakra produced a heroic goal-line clearance a moment that set the tone for India’s defensive resolve.
India took that escape as a wake-up call. Gradually, the Young Tigresses began stringing together passes through midfield, with Ritu Badaik and Valaina Fernandes dictating tempo. The breakthrough came in the 27th minute, through a move that reflected both patience and precision. Skipper Julan Nongmaithem, stationed near the edge of the box, spotted Pearl Fernandes making a darting run into space on the left. Her perfectly weighted pass found Pearl, who took a touch before unleashing a rising left-footed shot that Kyrgyz goalkeeper Midinova Sezimbubu got a hand to but couldn’t keep out.
It was a goal of quality and confidence — India 1, Kyrgyz Republic 0.
Hosts Hit Back Before the Break
However, the home side refused to fold. Only six minutes later, Kyrgyz Republic found their equaliser. A low cross from Sumaiia Makhamatsalieva caused confusion inside the Indian box, as Divyani Linda’s attempted clearance ricocheted back toward the penalty spot. Saiakbaeva, alert and decisive, pounced on the loose ball and drove a firm right-footed shot past Munni in the 33rd minute.
That goal injected belief into the hosts and silenced the small but vocal Indian contingent in the stands. The score remained 1–1 at halftime, with both teams having displayed flashes of attacking intent but also defensive vulnerabilities.
India Regroup, Kyrgyz Defend Deep
The second half evolved into a tactical contest. Kyrgyz Republic dropped deeper, protecting the central spaces and inviting India to break them down. The Young Tigresses responded with patience, circulating possession across the backline and wings, waiting for the right moment to penetrate.
Bonifilia Shullai, replaced by Thandamoni Baskey at the interval, provided fresh energy on the right, while Anushka Kumari pushed higher to link midfield and attack. Yet clear chances were rare. Pearl Fernandes tried her luck again from distance in the 62nd minute, forcing a fingertip save from Sezimbubu, while Julan’s curling free-kick in the 74th minute narrowly missed the top corner.
As the minutes ticked away, the match seemed destined for a stalemate a result that would have left India with everything to do in their final group match against Uzbekistan.
Then came the decisive moment that turned a hard-fought point into three. Deep into stoppage time, India won a corner on the right after persistent pressure from Thandamoni forced a defensive clearance. Substitute Pritika Barman stepped up to deliver what would be the final set-piece of the match. Her corner arced beautifully toward the near post, where Julan Nongmaithem timed her run to perfection. Beating her marker Aijamal Choiubekova, she stretched out a boot and diverted the ball past the diving goalkeeper. The ball nestled into the bottom corner, and the stadium erupted this time in elation from the Indian bench.
90+1’: Kyrgyz Republic 1 – 2 India.
The skipper’s late strike capped off a captain’s performance creative, composed, and clutch when it mattered most. Her teammates swarmed her in celebration, knowing how much the goal meant in the context of India’s qualification ambitions.
A Perfect Start to a Promising Campaign
At full-time, the relief and joy were palpable. The Young Tigresses had not only claimed three crucial points but also displayed the mental fortitude required for international competition. Head coach Akhil Rawat, speaking to AIFF Media, praised the team’s resilience and unity, noting how Julan’s leadership had “galvanised the group at critical junctures.” India’s defensive organization anchored by Bikash Yumnam’s younger counterpart Divyani Linda and Elizabed Lakra held firm after early scares. In midfield, Pearl Fernandes and Ritu Badaik provided creativity and defensive cover, while substitutes like Pritika Barman made tangible impacts.
The result puts India top of Group G, ahead of their final match against Uzbekistan on October 17. With only the group winner progressing to the 12-team finals in China next May, every minute of that encounter will carry weight.
For Indian women’s football, this result is another encouraging chapter following the recent strides made at senior and U20 levels. The U17s, with their mix of flair and fight, are beginning to carve an identity of their own one built on teamwork, tenacity, and quiet belief. As the team left the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium on that crisp Bishkek night, the message was clear: India are here not just to compete, but to qualify.
Final Score:
🇰🇬 Kyrgyz Republic 1 (Saiakbaeva 33’)
🇮🇳 India 2 (Pearl Fernandes 27’, Julan Nongmaithem 90+1’)
Next match: India vs Uzbekistan — October 17, 2025, 6:30 PM IST
