The Indian senior women's football team has continued its victorious campaign in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers in a spectacular manner. In the match played on June 29 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, India comprehensively defeated the team from Timor-Leste with a score of 4-0.
Sports News: The Indian senior women's football team has strengthened its victorious campaign in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers, recording a second consecutive impressive win. In the match played on Saturday, India defeated Timor-Leste 4-0, maintaining its top position in Group B. The Indian players did not give the opposing team any chance to make a comeback throughout the match and dominated the field with their b performance.
Manisha Kalyan's Brilliant Performance
The team's star winger, Manisha Kalyan, once again showcased her class and speed with a brilliant display. Showing aggressive intent from the start of the match, Manisha scored a goal in the 12th minute, giving India an early lead. Then, in the 80th minute, Manisha scored another brilliant goal, completely shattering the opposing team's defense. Her speed, dribbling, and decisive finishing once again made her the star of the match.
Other Players Also Left Their Mark
Apart from Manisha, Anju Tamang and Linda Chhante Serter also played brilliantly. Anju Tamang scored a stunning goal in the 58th minute, which strengthened the Indian team's lead. After this, in the 86th minute of the match, Linda Chhante Serter outwitted the opposing goalkeeper and scored the fourth and decisive goal, turning the outcome of the match completely in India's favor.
India Dominates the Group
With this victory, the Indian women's team has established a b lead in Group B of the qualifiers with two wins and six points from two matches. Earlier, India had made a smashing start by defeating Mongolia with a large margin of 13-0. These two victories have not only boosted the team's morale but also made India the best contender in the race for qualification.
However, the struggle in Group B is still ongoing. Only the top team out of a total of five teams will qualify for the next round, and teams like Iraq and Thailand can also pose a tough challenge. India's next match will be against Iraq on July 2, which could prove to be the team's real test. Iraq's team is known for playing physical football, so the Indian players will have to demonstrate excellent coordination of their strategy and speed there.
Coach's Reaction
Indian women's football team coach Thomas Dennerby, praising the players after the victory, said, "The girls played according to the plan. Manisha's finishing and the midfield's control were outstanding. The next match will be more difficult for us, but the confidence with which the team is playing will help us win. If the Indian women's team defeats Iraq on July 2, their entry into the main round of the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 will be almost certain.
