The Indian U20 Women’s Football Team kicked off their AFC 2026 U20 Women Asia Cup Qualifiers campaign with a hard-fought 0–0 draw against Indonesia at the Thuwunna Stadium on Wednesday.
Despite enjoying long spells of possession and creating more chances, the Young Tigresses were unable to find the back of the net and had to settle for a point in their opening Group D clash.
With hosts Myanmar thrashing Turkmenistan 6–1 in the earlier match of the day, India now finds itself in second place in the group standings, tied on points with Indonesia but trailing on goal difference. India will next face Turkmenistan on August 8, in what is now a must-win game to stay in contention for qualification.
Strong Start, Missed Opportunities
From the opening whistle, it was clear that India had arrived in Yangon with a purpose. The midfield trio of Shubhangi Singh, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, and Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam looked composed in possession and set the tempo for the team. India dominated the early phases, pressing high and keeping the ball in the Indonesian half.
One of India’s best chances came as early as the 6th minute when winger Neha whipped in a dangerous cross from the left. The delivery caught the Indonesian defence flat-footed, allowing forwards Pooja and Sulanjana Raul to race toward the far post. However, the ball sailed just beyond both attackers, denying India a golden opportunity to take the lead.
As the half progressed, the Indian attack began to find its rhythm. Sulanjana tried her luck with a long-range effort around the 30-minute mark, narrowly missing the target. Moments later, Pooja sent a shot straight into the gloves of Indonesian goalkeeper Alleana Ayu Arumy, who would go on to be the standout performer for her side.
Indonesia Resilient, India Keep Pushing
Following the break, India continued to push forward. Neha remained lively on the left wing, attempting to beat her marker and deliver crosses into the box. However, the Indonesian defence, led by their captain and centre-backs, did well to isolate the winger and cut off her supply line.
The Indian bench brought on Babita Kumari and Bhumika Devi Khumukcham in the 67th minute in a bid to inject fresh energy, especially on the flanks. The move nearly paid off just minutes later. Sibani Devi pounced on a loose pass high up the pitch and played a clever cutback into the box. Babita, positioned well, could not make the desired connection, and the chance went begging.
With time running out, India increased their pressing, hoping to force an error in Indonesia’s half. Sibani and Anju began to take more control in midfield, while the full-backs pushed higher up the field. A second chance for Babita came from a cross by Sibani from the left, but again, the Indonesian keeper collected it cleanly.
Late Drama but No Breakthrough
Despite India’s dominance, it was Indonesia who almost stole the win in the dying minutes. Substitute Ajeng Sri Handayani broke through the Indian backline in the 87th minute, racing into the penalty box and aiming for the far post. Indian goalkeeper Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, alert and quick to react, made a sharp low save to deny what would have been a heartbreaking goal. Thoibisana Chanu Toijam cleared the danger as India breathed a collective sigh of relief.
India had two final chances to snatch the win in injury time, both from free-kicks by Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam, one from each flank. Both attempts were on target and tested Indonesia’s keeper once again, but Alleana Ayu Arumy stood tall and ensured her side came away with a clean sheet.
Positive Takeaways, but a Must-Win Clash Awaits
Though the result may feel like two points dropped given the balance of play, India will take encouragement from their performance. The team created more chances, enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, and looked organized in all thirds of the pitch.
India’s head coach is likely to take positives from the way the team controlled the game and the composure shown by key players like captain Shubhangi Singh, midfield engine Sibani Devi, and fullback Arina Devi, who combined well with Neha down the left before being subbed off in the 67th minute.
The only missing ingredient was a finishing touch in front of goal something the team must address quickly as they prepare for their next match against Turkmenistan on August 8 at 6:00 PM IST, once again at the Thuwunna Stadium.
Myanmar’s 6–1 demolition of Turkmenistan has added further urgency to India’s campaign. A win in the next match is crucial if the Young Tigresses are to keep their qualification hopes alive in what is shaping up to be a competitive Group D.
India U20 Women’s Starting XI vs Indonesia
- Goalkeeper: Monalisha Devi Moirangthem
- Defenders: Remi Thokchom, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam, Arina Devi Nameirakpam (Bhumika Devi Khumukcham 67’)
- Midfielders: Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Shubhangi Singh (C), Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam
- Wingers/Forwards: Neha (Babita Kumari 67’), Pooja (Deepika Pal 90+3’), Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Sulanjana Raul (Monisha Singha 84’)
India’s next challenge is now set regroup, sharpen the attack, and come back stronger against Turkmenistan. With three valuable points on offer and qualification at stake, the Young Tigresses will look to turn possession and intent into goals and results.
