The India U20 women’s football team sealed a historic spot in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup after two decades, defeating hosts Myanmar 1-0 in their final Group D match at the Thuwunna Stadium here on Sunday.
Winger Pooja’s 27th-minute strike proved decisive as the Young Tigresses topped the group with seven points.
India started strongly, creating chances as early as the third minute when Neha’s cross narrowly missed Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam at the far post. Myanmar threatened on the counter, with Su Su Khin going close in the ninth minute, but the visitors soon regained control.
The breakthrough came just before the half-hour mark. Pooja initiated a counter from the right flank, sending in a cross that found Neha on the opposite wing. Neha looped it back into the box, and Pooja, having made her run into the six-yard area, bundled it over the line with her torso.
The second half saw Myanmar dominate, urged on by a vocal home crowd. India goalkeeper Monalisha Devi was called into action multiple times, including a crucial save in the 48th minute to deny Su Su Khin.
The hosts hit the woodwork twice in the final 10 minutes – first through Moe Pwint Phyu’s header and again in the 90th minute after her deflected shot crashed into the post. India too struck the crossbar in stoppage time through Sulanjana Raul.
Despite sustained pressure, India held on to their slender lead, securing a place in the continental tournament for the first time since 2004.
