The Indian women’s football team continued their impressive run in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, cruising to a 5–0 victory over Iraq at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai on Wednesday.
India led 2–0 at half-time, with goals from Sangita Basfore and Manisha setting the tone. The second half saw further strikes from Karthika Angamuthu, Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi, and substitute Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi as the Blue Tigresses registered their third consecutive win without conceding a single goal.
Crispin Chettri’s side has now scored 22 goals in three matches and sits comfortably atop Group B with nine points and a goal difference of +22. With only the group winner progressing, India will face hosts Thailand in a crucial final group clash on July 5 — a winner-takes-all encounter, as Thailand remains in close pursuit.
India dominated from the outset, controlling possession and exploiting the flanks with slick passing and swift transitions. Sangita opened the scoring in the 14th minute, capitalising on a goalkeeping error from Iraq’s Khalat Alzebari following a corner delivered by Sanju. Manisha doubled the lead just before half-time with a low drive that sneaked past the Iraqi defence.
In the second half, India remained relentless. Karthika Angamuthu scored the pick of the goals in the 48th minute, spotting the substitute keeper off her line and executing a superb lob from 25 yards. Nirmala Devi added a fourth with a powerful long-range shot in the 68th minute.
Ratanbala Devi completed the rout in the 80th minute, converting a rebound after her initial effort was saved.
With confidence running high and their defence yet to be breached, India’s clash with Thailand now promises to be a thrilling decider in the quest for qualification.
