India kept alive their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals of the AFC Under-17 Women's Asian Cup with a commanding 4-0 victory over Lebanon in their final Group B match at the Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre on Friday. Pritika Barman emerged as the star performer, scoring twice in the 6th and 85th minutes, while Alva Devi Senjam and Joya also found the back of the net for the Young Tigresses.
First Win Since 2005
Pritika led the attack with two goals as India registered their first win in the tournament since 2005. The result significantly strengthened India's chances of reaching the quarter-finals as one of the two best third-placed teams. India are now on the verge of qualifying for the knockout stage for the first time in 21 years.
Group B Scenario
After this result, the Philippines would need to beat Chinese Taipei by 12 goals, while Chinese Taipei would need a 13-goal win to overtake India in the third-place standings.
Match Highlights
India made one change from their previous match, with Anushka Kumari replacing Pearl Fernandes, and started the game on the front foot. Divyani Linda sent a long ball forward from right-back, which Pritika controlled before getting past Lebanon defender Joya Bou Assaf. She then beat goalkeeper Marie Joe Chebly with a left-footed shot to give India the lead.
India almost scored again soon after when Anushka got space inside the box, but Marie made the save. Pritika continued to trouble the Lebanon defence and nearly scored her second goal in the 16th minute, but the goalkeeper stopped her effort again.
Redima Devi Chingkhamayum passed the ball to Alva at the edge of the box, and the forward got past Gianna Frangieh before scoring to give India a 2-0 lead at half-time.
Second Half Dominance
India continued attacking in the second half and kept Lebanon under pressure. The Young Tigresses controlled possession for long periods and created chances from the wings. Their third goal came through Joya, who received the ball on the left side, moved past two defenders and scored with a right-footed strike to make it 3-0.
India completed the win when Pritika scored her second goal of the match. She ran into the penalty area from the right wing and finished past Marie to make it 4-0.
With this victory, India have given themselves a realistic chance of advancing to the knockout stage for the first time in over two decades, pending the results of other group matches.
