India's Journey in AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup Ends with Defeat to China

India's U17 Women's team concluded their AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup campaign with a 0-3 defeat to China in the quarter-finals. Despite the loss, this tournament marked a significant achievement for the Young Tigresses, as it was their first time reaching the knockout stage. The match saw China dominate early on, leading to two goals before halftime. India struggled to find their rhythm and create scoring opportunities, ultimately succumbing to China's pressure. This performance, while disappointing, highlights the progress of women's football in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 12, 2026, 02:15 IST

India's AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup Campaign Concludes

Suzhou [China], May 11: India's aspirations in the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup 2026 came to a halt following a 0-3 loss to the host nation, China PR, during the quarter-finals held at the Suzhou Sports Centre Stadium on Monday.

This outcome dashed the Young Tigresses' dreams of making history by qualifying for the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup in Morocco 2026. Nevertheless, this tournament marked India's most successful performance to date, as they reached the knockout stage for the first time.

Head coach Pamela Conti made a single adjustment to the lineup that triumphed over Lebanon in the last group match, bringing Joya in for Anushka Kumari, as per a statement.

With a supportive home crowd, China began the match with intensity, aiming to assert their dominance through swift passing and movement in the attacking third. India, however, held firm defensively in the early moments, with Abhista Basnett making a crucial block in the fourth minute to thwart Li Yaqi's close-range attempt.

China maintained control of the ball and nearly broke the deadlock in the 15th minute when Liu Yuxi delivered a perfectly timed pass to Wang Chenxi, who cut in from the left and struck the crossbar with his shot.

Despite long periods without possession, India remained organized and nearly capitalized on a counterattack around the half-hour mark. Pritika Barman sent a threatening cross into the box for Joya, but her shot was blocked before it could reach the goalkeeper.

China's persistent pressure finally bore fruit in the 38th minute through a well-executed team play. After a patient build-up, Liu Yuxi received the ball in the box and cleverly set it back for Huang Qinyi, who finished calmly from close range, giving the hosts the lead.

This goal shifted the momentum firmly in favor of China, forcing India deeper into their half as the first half drew to a close. Just as the Young Tigresses hoped to regroup at halftime, China struck again in stoppage time. Ritu Badaik fouled Liu in the area, prompting the referee to award a penalty. Liu confidently converted the spot-kick with a low right-footed shot into the bottom corner, leaving goalkeeper Munni stranded.

Trailing by two goals, India sought to increase their urgency after the break, but China's solid defensive setup thwarted their attempts to create clear chances. The Young Tigresses struggled to stretch the Chinese defense and lacked the necessary pace to consistently challenge them.

Meanwhile, China continued to generate better scoring opportunities. Munni made a crucial save in the 66th minute, denying Wu Yichen's powerful shot from outside the box, and again in the 87th minute, she stopped Cheng Wandi's long-range effort.

In the final minute of regulation, China secured their victory. Wu Yichen crossed from the left, and after a failed clearance in the box, Cheng Wandi's shot fell kindly for Li Qixian, who was quick to react and scored from close range.

India U17 Women: Munni (GK), Elizabed Lakra, Divyani Linda (C), Thandamoni Baskey (Bonifilia Shullai, 65), Julan Nongmaithem (Olivia Ningthoujam, 46), Ritu Badaik, Pritika Barman (Anushka Kumari, 79), Redima Devi Chingkhamayum, Abhista Basnett, Alva Devi Senjam, Joya (Anwita Raghuraman, 65).