India's Journey in AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup Ends with Quarter-Final Loss to China
India's participation in the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup 2026 in China concluded with a 0-3 defeat against the host nation in the quarter-finals held at the Suzhou Sports Centre Stadium on Monday. This loss ended the Young Tigresses' aspirations for a historic qualification for the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup in Morocco 2026. Nevertheless, this tournament marked India's best performance to date, as it was their first time reaching the knockout stage.
Head coach Pamela Conti made a strategic adjustment from the previous match against Lebanon, bringing Joya into the starting lineup in place of Anushka Kumari.
China began the match with high intensity, leveraging their home advantage and quickly establishing control through effective passing and movement. India, however, showcased strong defensive skills early on, with Abhista Basnett making a crucial block in the fourth minute to thwart Li Yaqi's close-range attempt.
Despite China's dominance in possession, India nearly capitalized on a counterattack around the 30-minute mark. Pritika Barman sent a threatening cross into the box aimed at Joya, but the shot was blocked before it could reach the goalkeeper.
China's persistence paid off in the 38th minute when Liu Yuxi executed a well-timed pass to Huang Qinyi, who finished calmly from close range, giving China the lead.
The momentum shifted significantly in favor of China, and just before halftime, they extended their advantage. Ritu Badaik fouled Liu in the penalty area, leading to a penalty kick that Liu converted with a low shot into the corner, leaving goalkeeper Munni with no chance.
Second Half and Final Moments
Facing a two-goal deficit, India sought to increase their urgency in the second half, but China's solid defense thwarted their efforts to create clear scoring chances. The Young Tigresses struggled to break through the Chinese backline effectively.
China continued to generate more scoring opportunities, with Munni making a crucial save in the 66th minute against Wu Yichen's powerful shot and again in the 87th minute against Cheng Wandi's long-range attempt.
The final blow came in the last minute of regulation time when Wu Yichen's cross led to a defensive error, allowing Li Qixian to score from close range, sealing a 3-0 victory for China.
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).