The India U17 women’s team produced a remarkable late comeback to defeat Myanmar 3–2 in an international friendly at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon on Saturday.
Two late goals from substitutes Anushka Kumari and Joya ensured that India overturned a half-time deficit to secure victory in dramatic fashion.
The match was the second of two international friendlies between the sides and served as an important preparatory fixture ahead of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup, scheduled to take place in Suzhou, China from May 1 to May 17. Both teams have qualified for the continental tournament and are using the fixtures to fine-tune their squads.
India had earlier won the first friendly 2–0 on Thursday, and Saturday’s result ensured a successful tour for the Young Tigresses.
Myanmar Start Strongly
The hosts began the match with energy and intent, putting the Indian defence under immediate pressure in the opening minutes. Myanmar created their first opportunity when forward Shin Thant Phyu Sin Pyone pressed Indian goalkeeper Munni into making an errant pass. The loose ball fell to Saung Thazin Oo, but she failed to keep her shot on target despite having the goal at her mercy.
Myanmar continued to push forward and soon created another chance from a set-piece. Pin Myint Yan delivered a free-kick that struck the defensive wall before falling kindly for Phyu Sin Pyone, but Munni recovered quickly to make an important one-on-one save.
The early pressure eventually paid off in the 12th minute. A free-kick delivered by Khaing Zin Myint from the left flank was punched away weakly by Munni, and the clearance fell to Hnin Wint War Kyaw. The midfielder calmly struck a left-footed effort into the net to give Myanmar a deserved early lead.
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Conceding the opening goal initially unsettled the Indian side, but the Young Tigresses gradually settled into the game and began to build attacking momentum. Much of India’s attacking play came from the left flank, where Alva Devi Senjam and Redima Devi Chingkhamayum combined effectively to stretch the Myanmar defence with clever movement and well-delivered crosses.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 33rd minute. Redima spotted Alva’s run and floated a perfectly weighted ball over the Myanmar defence. Alva controlled it superbly inside the penalty area before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike past the goalkeeper at the near post to level the score at 1–1.
The goal marked a memorable moment for the 15-year-old, as it was her first youth international goal for India.
Despite India’s equaliser, Myanmar regained control just before the break. In the 45th minute, Saung Thazin Oo delivered a corner from the left side, and Min Htone May Zitar rose sharply to head the ball into the net from a tight angle.
The goal restored Myanmar’s lead and sent the hosts into the half-time break ahead at 2–1. The second half turned into a tightly contested battle, with both sides showing caution while searching for openings. The midfield became the main battleground as neither team managed to create many clear scoring opportunities.
India head coach Pamela Conti made several substitutions in an attempt to inject fresh energy into the side, a decision that would ultimately prove decisive. For much of the second half, Myanmar appeared comfortable holding their narrow advantage. However, India continued to push forward in search of an equaliser.
Just when the match seemed to be slipping away from India, substitute Anushka Kumari produced a moment of brilliance in the 88th minute.
The 15-year-old midfielder, who had come on earlier in the second half for captain Julan Nongmaithem, collected a pass from fellow substitute Bonifilia Shullai in midfield and drove forward with purpose. Spotting the goalkeeper off her line, Anushka attempted a bold strike from over 25 yards, sending the ball sailing over the keeper and into the net. The stunning long-range effort brought India level at 2–2 and dramatically shifted the momentum in the closing moments of the match.
Buoyed by the late equaliser, India pressed forward in search of a winner and their persistence paid off in stoppage time.
In the 91st minute, Elizabed Lakra launched a long ball from deep into the Myanmar half. Defender Pin Myint Yan misjudged her header, allowing striker Joya to latch onto the loose ball. The forward, who had come on as a substitute for Anwita Raghuraman in the 75th minute, showed excellent composure in front of goal. She calmly slotted a left-footed finish past the goalkeeper to complete a remarkable turnaround.
The goal not only secured a 3–2 victory for India but also marked Joya’s first youth international goal, coming in just her second appearance for the national team.
The victory highlighted the resilience and fighting spirit of the Indian U17 side. Pamela Conti’s tactical changes, particularly the introduction of Anushka and Joya, proved crucial as the substitutes delivered when it mattered most. With two wins from two matches against Myanmar, India will take confidence from the performances as they continue preparations for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup.
The dramatic comeback in Yangon showcased the depth and potential within the squad qualities that will be vital when the Young Tigresses take on Asia’s best teams in the continental tournament later this year.
