India's U20 Women's Team Secures Victory Against Chinese Taipei in AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup
India's Path to Knockout Stage
The Indian U20 women's national football team kept their aspirations alive for advancing to the knockout phase of the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup 2026 by defeating Chinese Taipei 3-1 in their final Group C encounter at the Pathum Thani Stadium in Thailand on Wednesday. Forward Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam scored twice (32', 87' p) after Bhumika Devi Khumukcham opened the scoring in the 26th minute. A late goal from substitute Kao Hsin (90+3') provided a consolation for Chinese Taipei. This victory marked India's first win in the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup since 2004.
Group C Standings and Next Steps
Following this match, India concluded Group C in third place, accumulating three points from three games. To qualify for the quarter-finals as one of the two best third-placed teams, India now relies on the outcome of the Group B match between Jordan and Uzbekistan, which is scheduled for later today. A draw in that match would secure India's advancement, while any other result would favor the winners of that game.
Young Tigresses' Performance
After suffering defeats in their initial matches against Japan (0-6) and Australia (0-5), the Young Tigresses were determined to change their fortunes against Chinese Taipei. They controlled the game early, creating their first significant opportunity around the 15-minute mark when Lhingdeikim was played through, but her volley was saved from close range.
India struck first in the 26th minute when Sibani delivered a cross that was missed by both Lhingdeikim and Sulanjana Raul. However, Bhumika, unmarked at the far post, capitalized on the opportunity and scored after the ball deflected off a defender.
Sibani soon added to the scoreline, winning a duel for a bouncing ball and firing a left-footed half-volley past the goalkeeper into the far corner.
With their confidence soaring, India continued to press forward, with Remi Thokchom's shot saved and Sulanjana's attempt going wide.
Chinese Taipei attempted to respond towards the end of the first half, but India’s goalkeeper Ribansi Jamu, making her tournament debut, made crucial saves against Li Chun-mei and Tzu-yu Chuan.
Second Half Developments
The Blue Magpies started the second half with some chances, including a header from Chuan that went just over the bar. However, India quickly regained control and dominated play near the Chinese Taipei penalty area.
In the 72nd minute, a free-kick from substitute Neha found Sibani, whose header was tipped onto the crossbar by the Chinese Taipei goalkeeper Jian Yu-jie. The rebound fell to Pooja, but she headed it over the goal.
India was awarded a penalty for a handball by a Chinese Taipei player in the box, which Sibani converted in the 87th minute, solidifying their lead despite Kao Hsin scoring a late goal in injury time.
India U20 Women's Squad
The squad for the match included: Ribansi Jamu (GK), Thoibisana Chanu Toijam, Pooja (Shilji Shaji 84'), Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Lhingdeikim, Bhumika Devi Khumukcham, Remi Thokchom, Shubhangi Singh (C) (Shruti Kumari 67'), Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam, Sulanjana Raul (Neha 67'), and Cindy Colney.