The India U20 women national team delivered a resounding statement of intent at the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026 Qualifiers, hammering Turkmenistan 7-0 in a commanding performance at Yangon’s Thuwunna Stadium.
The thumping win propelled the Young Tigresses to the top of Group D, setting the stage for a high-stakes finale against hosts Myanmar on Sunday, August 10. With the result, India climbed to four points from two matches, matching Myanmar’s tally but pulling ahead with a superior goal difference of +7, compared to Myanmar’s +5. Indonesia, with two points, remain in outside contention.
Fast Start and Ruthless Execution
After being held to a goalless draw by Indonesia in their opening match, the Indian side, coached by Swedish tactician Joakim Alexandersson, came into this fixture with clear attacking intent and it showed from the very first whistle.
Captain Shubhangi Singh set the tone in the 7th minute, converting from close range after a corner taken by Sulanjana Raul caused chaos inside the box. India’s aggressive pressing kept Turkmenistan pinned in their own half, and it took just another seven minutes for India to double their lead. A cross by Neha from the left flank deflected off Turkmenistan keeper Elnura Maksyutova, before Pooja pounced on the loose ball. Her blocked effort fell to Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, who made no mistake from short range, scoring in the 14th minute.
Relentless in Attack, Unyielding in Midfield
India maintained their dominance, with midfielder Remi Thokchom pulling the strings and orchestrating play. The midfield trio of Shubhangi, Anju Chanu, and Sibani continually pressed and recycled possession, denying Turkmenistan any meaningful touches in the Indian half.
The third goal came just past the half-hour mark when Thoibisana Chanu Toijam timed her jump perfectly to nod home another Sulanjana corner in the 35th minute. Just three minutes later, Sulanjana turned scorer—threaded through by Remi between the Turkmen backline, she slotted home coolly in the 38th minute to make it 4-0. The fifth goal was a captain’s contribution again—Shubhangi latched onto a rebound in the 42nd minute, showing great composure to finish from the edge of the six-yard box. India went into halftime with a 5-0 lead, and the game already wrapped up.
Second Half: Smart Game Management
Despite a massive advantage, the Young Tigresses didn’t take their foot off the gas in the second half. Pooja, playing in a more advanced role, added India’s sixth in the 65th minute, capitalizing on a mix-up in the Turkmenistan defence to tap in from close range. India rotated their squad smartly with Bhumika Devi, Deepika Pal, Khushbu Saroj, Monisha Singha, and Nishima Kumari all getting minutes off the bench. The substitutions maintained the team’s tempo while offering rest to some starters ahead of the crucial final clash against Myanmar.
The final blow came in stoppage time when Sulanjana Raul, already with one goal and two assists, completed her brace with a late tap-in in the 90+4th minute rounding off a dominant evening for India.
Match Summary:
Final Score: Turkmenistan 0 – 7 India
Goal Scorers:
- Shubhangi Singh – 7’, 42’
- Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam – 14’
- Thoibisana Chanu Toijam – 35’
- Sulanjana Raul – 38’, 90+4’
- Pooja – 65’
Table Toppers But the Job Isn’t Done Yet
The resounding win means that India and Myanmar now sit level at the top of Group D with four points each. However, India’s +7 goal difference places them slightly ahead of Myanmar’s +5. But while goal difference is crucial, the dynamics of the group remain tightly poised.
India’s path to qualification is not entirely straightforward. A win over Myanmar in the final group match would see them top the group and qualify for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup in Thailand in 2026. However, a draw would only suffice if Indonesia do not beat Turkmenistan by a margin of seven or more goals in their final fixture.
It’s a scenario that adds pressure, but also opportunity. The Young Tigresses know they control their destiny, and that Sunday’s showdown against the hosts will be the defining moment of their campaign.
Tactical Brilliance and Squad Depth
Coach Joakim Alexandersson deserves credit for his tactical set-up. After a frustrating opener, the team adjusted its attacking shape, placing greater emphasis on width and quicker transitions. Full-backs Neha and Remi pushed higher up the pitch, delivering crosses and pinning Turkmenistan’s flanks deep into their half.
India’s set-pieces were a major weapon. Three of the goals came from corners, and every delivery into the box tested Turkmenistan’s organisation. The emphasis on aerial strength, anticipation, and rebound positioning paid off. Importantly, India showed their squad depth as multiple players stepped up six different players were involved in goals, and substitutions seamlessly maintained the tempo and intent.
Key Players:
- Shubhangi Singh (Captain): The midfield general and goalscorer, led by example with her double strike and composed leadership.
- Sulanjana Raul: Two goals, two assists, and relentless runs on the flanks. Easily one of India’s most dangerous players.
- Remi Thokchom: Provided composure and tactical nous in midfield, created a goal and maintained possession well.
- Pooja & Sibani: Constant threats inside the box, alert and clinical when it mattered.
What’s Next: Myanmar Clash Awaits
India’s final group game will be against hosts Myanmar on August 10 at 3:00 PM IST. Myanmar themselves were held to a 2-2 draw by Indonesia earlier in the day, keeping the race for the top spot wide open. Given Myanmar’s home support and attacking prowess (8 goals scored in 2 matches), the final group fixture is expected to be tightly contested. However, India’s massive win today provides them not just momentum, but also clarity in terms of the equation.
Win and they are through. Draw and they must wait.
Lose and qualification dreams could vanish.
Group D Standings (After 2 Matches):
| Team | Played | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Points |
| 🇮🇳 India | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 0 | +7 | 4 |
| 🇲🇲 Myanmar | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 3 | +5 | 4 |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesia | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 🇹🇲 Turkmenistan | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 12 | -12 | 0 |
The Young Tigresses have come roaring back after a sluggish start, and their 7-0 demolition of Turkmenistan was a masterclass in both skill and hunger. With their fate in their own hands, India now look ahead to their biggest test yet Myanmar, in Myanmar, with qualification on the line.
Can they hold their nerve, deliver again, and script a historic passage to Thailand? Sunday will have the answers.
