India U20 Women's Team Triumphs Over Sweden; Senior Team Falls to Vietnam

The India U20 women's national football team showcased their talent with a 5-2 victory over Swedish club Alvsjo AIK, highlighted by Lhingdeikim's hat-trick. In contrast, the senior team faced a heartbreaking 1-2 defeat against Vietnam in their AFC Women's Asian Cup opener, with a late goal sealing their fate. Read on for detailed match insights and player performances.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 5, 2026, 16:51 IST

India U20 Women's Team Secures Impressive Victory in Sweden

In a friendly match held at the Boson National Sports Centre in Lidingo, Sweden, the India U20 women's national football team achieved a convincing 5-2 victory against Swedish club Alvsjo AIK on Thursday morning, March 5. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) reported that Lhingdeikim was the standout player, scoring a hat-trick with goals in the first minute, a penalty in the 20th minute, and another in the 59th minute. Additionally, Cindy Colney found the net in the 34th minute, while Sulanjana Raul added the final goal in the 90th minute. Head coach Joakim Alexandersson made two adjustments to the starting lineup, introducing goalkeeper Monalisha Devi and winger Bhumika Devi.

The lineup for India included: Monalisha Devi Moirangthem (GK), Remi Thokchom, Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Thoibisana Chanu (substituted by Nishima Kumari at 53'), Shubhangi Singh (C) (substituted by Shruti Kumari at 66'), Pooja (substituted by Babita Kumari at 68'), Anju Chanu, Bhumika Devi Khumukcham, Sulanjana Raul, Lhingdeikim, and Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam.

Senior Women's Team Faces Tough Loss Against Vietnam

In a contrasting outcome, the senior women's team suffered a narrow 1-2 defeat to Vietnam during their opening match in Group C of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026, held at the Perth Rectangular Stadium on Wednesday. Nguyen Thi Van Su scored for Vietnam in both halves, netting goals in the 30th and 90+4 minutes. India's only goal came from debutant Sanfida Nongrum in the 52nd minute after she was brought on as a substitute.

India nearly equalized in injury time when Manisha attempted a long-range free-kick, which was saved by Vietnam's goalkeeper Kim Thanh. Substitute Kaviya Pakkirisamy, also making her debut, chased the rebound but was unable to reach the ball before the goalkeeper. Vietnam clinched the victory shortly after, with Van Su scoring her second goal from a cut-back by substitute Vi Thi Hoa.

The Indian lineup featured: Panthoi Chanu Elangbam (GK), Sweety Devi Ngangbam (C), Shilky Devi Hemam, Sangita Basfore, Soumya Guguloth (substituted by Rimpa Haldar at 46'), Sanju Yadav, Pyari Xaxa (substituted by Kaviya Pakkirisamy at 79'), Grace Dangmei (substituted by Sanfida Nongrum at 46'), Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, Martina Thokchom, and Manisha Kalyan (substituted by Lynda Kom Serto at 90+2').