India achieved a resounding 4-0 victory against Lebanon in their final group-stage fixture of the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup, but celebrations were subdued at the Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre on Friday. The players exchanged customary high-fives and hugs, while coach Pamela Conti shook hands with her brother and assistant Vincenzo on the technical bench.
Subdued Celebrations and Qualification
The lack of exuberance was understandable. India had displaced debutants Lebanon to take third place in the group, but they still had to wait for the outcome of the Group C clash between Chinese Taipei and the Philippines to determine the second-best third-placed team. A few hours later, that match ended goalless, confirming India’s place in the quarterfinals.
Historic Achievement
This is India’s first win in the competition in 21 years and their first knockout-stage appearance in any Asian Cup since the AFC U16 Championship in 2018. In women’s football, it is India’s first Asian Cup knockout stage appearance since the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship in 2004, when the team also reached the quarterfinals. After losses against Australia and Japan, India finally tasted success with a commanding win against Lebanon.
Pritika Barman provided an early breakthrough and later completed her brace, while Alva Devi Senjam and Joya also found the net. The victory marked India’s maiden qualification to the knockout stage at the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup.
Quarterfinal Clash with China
In the quarterfinals on Monday, India will face hosts China, who registered comfortable wins against Vietnam (3-0), Thailand (6-0), and Myanmar (6-0) in the group stage. A win in the quarterfinal will secure qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco later this year.
Match Highlights
With both sides needing victory to keep their hopes alive, Lebanon almost found a way through in the fifth minute when captain Gia Frangieh sent a neat lob into the box for Yara Geitani, but India goalkeeper Munni Bhambhu was quick off her line to collect the ball. Two minutes later, India took the lead as Pritika surged past two players on the right before lifting the ball over Lebanon goalkeeper Marie Joe Chebly into the top corner. With the lead in hand, the South Asian champions did not look back, scoring goals at regular intervals to thwart any attempt at a comeback.
