India began their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 qualification campaign with a resounding 13-0 win over Mongolia in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on Monday, June 23.
India dominated from the outset, with midfielder Sangita Basfore opening the scoring in the eighth minute. Pyari Xaxa led the goal tally with five goals, including a first-half hat-trick. Soumya Guguloth, Grace Dangmei, Rimpa Haldar, Malavika and Priyadarshini Selladurai also contributed to the scoreline.
Mongolia, ranked 126th, struggled defensively and made a late goalkeeper substitution, which did little to stem the Indian onslaught. India, ranked 70th, capitalised on wide play and repeated goalkeeping errors.
Only the top team from each group qualifies directly for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, scheduled to be held in Australia.
