India U20 Women Beat Chinese Taipei 3-1 to Stay in AFC U20 Womens Asian Cup 2026 Race

India's U20 women stayed in the race for the AFC U20 Womens Asian Cup 2026 knockouts on Wednesday (April 8). The Young Tigresses beat Chinese Taipei 3-1 in their last Group C match.

Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam struck twice, while Bhumika Devi Khumukcham scored the opener. Substitute Kao Hsin scored late for Chinese Taipei.

The win placed India third in Group C with three points from three matches. India must now rely on the Group B match between Jordan and Uzbekistan, scheduled later on Wednesday. India will reach the quarter-finals only if that match ends in a draw. India would then qualify as one of the two best third-placed teams.

India U20 womens team ends long AFC U20 Womens Asian Cup win wait

The result ended a long wait for India at this level. It was India's first win in the AFC U20 Womens Asian Cup since

2004. The victory also came after heavy defeats in the first two Group C fixtures. India lost 0-6 to Japan and 0-5 to Australia before facing Chinese Taipei.

India U20 womens team scores three in AFC U20 Womens Asian Cup Group C match

India took the lead in the 26th minute through Bhumika Devi Khumukcham. Sibani delivered a cross from the right, which Lhingdeikim and Sulanjana Raul failed to meet. Bhumika arrived unmarked at the far post and hit a first-time finish. The ball deflected off a defender before crossing the line.

Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam then added India's second goal in the 32nd minute. Sibani fought past a marker to win a bouncing ball with a header. Sibani then drove into the penalty area. Sibani struck a left-footed half-volley that beat the goalkeeper at the far post.

India kept pushing forward as the match moved towards the closing stages. A Chinese Taipei handball inside the penalty area gave India a late spot-kick. Sibani converted the penalty in the 87th minute. The goal made the result clear, even with a late response from Chinese Taipei.

Chinese Taipei reduced the margin in added time through Kao Hsin. The substitute scored in the 90+3 minute for the East Asian island nation. India still held on for a 3-1 win at the final whistle. The three points kept India's qualification chances alive, pending the Jordan versus Uzbekistan result.