On August 10, 2025, India’s U20 women’s football team, the Young Tigresses, made history by qualifying for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup for the first time in 20 years. They beat hosts Myanmar 1-0 in their final Group D match at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon. Winger Pooja scored the only goal in the 27th minute, helping India finish top of their group with seven points. An X post from @IndianFootball said, “Young Tigresses qualify for AFC U20 Asian Cup with a 1-0 win over Myanmar! Historic moment!”
First qualification in 20 years? That’s a massive win for India!
How the Match Went
The game had two very different halves. India controlled the first half, nearly scoring early when Neha’s cross in the third minute just missed Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam’s tap-in. Myanmar fought back with counter-attacks, like Su Su Khin’s close shot in the ninth minute. But India took the lead when Pooja started a counter-attack, crossed from the right, and Neha sent it back for Pooja to score with her torso. The second half saw Myanmar push hard, but India’s goalkeeper Monalisha Devi made huge saves, including one in the 48th minute and another in the 80th when Moe Pwint Phyu hit the post. India held on, even as Sulanjana Raul hit the crossbar in the 90th minute.
Pooja’s goal and Monalisha’s saves? Heroes of the match!
Myanmar’s Fightback
Myanmar came out strong in the second half, cheered by their home crowd. They attacked relentlessly, with Phyu hitting the post twice—once in the 80th minute and again in the 90th, where a deflection off India’s Shubhangi nearly went in. But Monalisha, who hadn’t let in a goal in the previous two matches, was a wall, swiping the ball off the line to keep India’s lead. India’s defense stood tough, like a fortress, to secure the win.
Myanmar hitting the post twice? India’s defense was rock-solid!
Why It’s a Big Deal
This victory is a proud moment for Indian women’s football. The Young Tigresses’ grit, led by players like Pooja, Neha, and Monalisha, showed India’s growing strength in sports, like the U19 cricket team’s tour or War 2’s hype. Qualifying for the AFC U20 Asian Cup, set for March 2026 in Uzbekistan, puts India back on the Asian stage after two decades. X users like @WomensFootballIN posted, “India U20 women make history! 1-0 vs Myanmar, we’re going to the Asian Cup!”
First Asian Cup in 20 years? Indian women’s football is soaring!
What’s Next
The Young Tigresses will now prepare for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup, where they’ll face top Asian teams. This win shows their potential, with teamwork and clutch plays under pressure. Coach Sukla Dutta praised their spirit, saying, “The girls fought like warriors.” Fans are buzzing, and this could inspire more girls to play football. Are you excited for the Young Tigresses? What do you think of their big win? Tell me!