Daijiworld Media Network - Yangon

Yangon, Aug 10: The India U-20 women’s national football team clinched a historic qualification for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup after 20 years, edging out hosts Myanmar 1-0 in a tense Group D decider at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon on Sunday.

A 27th-minute strike by winger Pooja sealed the deal for the Young Tigresses, who topped the group with seven points and finished unbeaten. The goal—born from a sweeping counterattack—was a result of Pooja’s own cross, a clever return ball from Neha, and quick instinct as Pooja bundled it home with her torso.

India controlled the first half, creating early chances, while Myanmar rallied fiercely in the second half, backed by an energetic home crowd. But the Indian defence, marshalled by goalkeeper Monalisha Devi, stood firm under intense pressure.

Monalisha made multiple crucial saves, including two dramatic interventions in the final minutes—one to deny a shot that rolled along the goal line, and another when a deflected effort smashed into the upright.

Myanmar came agonisingly close to equalising, hitting the woodwork twice. India almost doubled their lead in stoppage time, with Sulanjana Raul’s header crashing off the crossbar.

Despite the tense finish, India held on to their slender lead, securing qualification to the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup for the first time since 2006, and marking a major milestone in the country’s women's football journey.