Shillong, Oct 13: Captain Julan Nongmaithem turned hero in stoppage time as India began their AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026 Qualifiers campaign with a thrilling 2-1 win over hosts Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek on Monday.
Meghalaya’s Bonifilia Shullai made the starting line-up and played the first half before being substituted for Thandamoni Baskey. Meghalaya’s other player in the Indian squad, Alisha Lyngdoh, was on the bench for this match; in fact coach Joakim Alexandersson only made two changes during the 90 minutes.
In a match brimming with emotion, momentum swings and high stakes, the Young Tigresses, despite being frustrated for the majority of the game, bagged all 3 points at the death. India are targeting a place in their first AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup since 2005. Placed in the three-team Group G (the other side being Uzbekistan), the winner will qualify for the 12-team final tournament in China next year.
After setting up Pearl Fernandes for India’s first goal in the 27th minute, Julan struck a dramatic late winner in injury time to help secure all three points for India. The score was 1-1 at half-time after Kyrgyzstand’s Akmaral Saiakbaeva equalised in the 33rd minute.
Uzbekistan will face Kyrgyzstan on 15th October before taking on India on 17th October.
(Photo: Indian Football Team/Facebook)
