India Aims for Triumph in AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers

India's U20 women's football squad is gearing up to kick off their campaign in the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026 Qualifiers. They will face Indonesia in Group D at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon on Wednesday, with the match slated to begin at 18:00 IST.

Led by Swedish coach Joakim Alexandersson, the Young Tigresses are determined to qualify for the U20 Women's Asian Cup, which also serves as a qualifier for the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup. India's last qualification was in 2006, and they narrowly missed advancing in the 2024 qualifiers due to goal difference against Vietnam. Interestingly, they previously defeated Indonesia 6-0 in those qualifiers.

In a pre-match press conference, Alexandersson conveyed optimism about India's chances in the competitive group. 'We've spent over two months preparing in Bengaluru. Our aim is to win all three matches and qualify for the Asian Cup,' he stated. After Indonesia, India will challenge Turkmenistan and host Myanmar. Group winners and three top second-placed teams will proceed to the final tournament.

Since arriving in Yangon on August 1, the Indian team has acclimatized to local conditions. A victorious 4-1 friendly against Uzbekistan has boosted their spirits. Defender Shubhangi Singh emphasized the team's respect yet confidence against opponents, aiming for qualification.

Indonesia's team, having recently placed third in the ASEAN U19 Women's Championship, is ready for the Qualifiers under Japanese coach Akira Higashiyama. 'Despite India's strength, we're prepared and eager to compete,' Higashiyama commented.

(With inputs from agencies.)