India U20 Women's Team Secures Victory Against Chinese Taipei in AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup
India's Triumph in AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup
Pathum Thani [Thailand], April 8: The Indian U20 women's national football team kept their aspirations alive for advancing to the knockout stage 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 on Wednesday.
Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam was the star of the match, scoring twice (32', 87' p) after Bhumika Devi Khumukcham opened the scoring in the 26th minute. Chinese Taipei's Kao Hsin managed to score a consolation goal in the dying moments of the match (90+3'). This victory marked India's first win in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup since 2004, as reported in a press release.
With this win, India concluded their group stage in third place with three points from three matches. To qualify for the quarter-finals as one of the two best third-placed teams, they now rely 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.
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 and took control early in the match. They had a significant opportunity around the 15-minute mark when Lhingdeikim was set up behind the defense, 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 tally, winning a duel for a bouncing ball and firing a left-footed half-volley past the goalkeeper into the net.
With their confidence soaring, India continued to press forward. Remi Thokchom had a shot saved, and Sulanjana's attempt to chip the keeper went wide.
Chinese Taipei began to find their rhythm 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.
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 near the Chinese Taipei penalty area.
In the 72nd minute, India nearly scored again when a free-kick from substitute Neha found Sibani, whose header was tipped onto the crossbar by the Chinese Taipei goalkeeper. Pooja, following up, headed the rebound over the bar.
India was awarded a late penalty for a handball by a Chinese Taipei player, which Sibani converted in the 87th minute, solidifying their lead, despite Kao Hsin scoring a late goal for Chinese Taipei in injury time.
India U20 Women Squad: 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'), Cindy Colney.