Selayang, October 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s U-17 women’s football team opened its AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2027 qualifying campaign in emphatic fashion, thrashing Iraq 14-0 at the MP Selayang Stadium in Selayang, Malaysia, on Monday.
The victory marked India’s biggest-ever win in the age-group competition, surpassing the previous 12-0 victories over the UAE in 2014 and Sri Lanka in 2018.
Anushka Kumari led the scoring spree with five goals and was named Player of the Match. Silky Devi Sorokhaibam, Thandamoni Baskey and Nira Chanu Longjam also found the net in the first half as India went into the break 7-0 ahead.
Captain and centre-back Abhista Basnett added two headed goals after the interval, while Joya and Alva Devi Senjam completed the record-breaking tally. Substitute Pritika Barman also scored after converting a rebound.
India dominated from the outset with relentless running, close marking and sharp one-touch football. Joakim Alexandersson’s midfield kept the team compact while ensuring that Iraq struggled to retain possession.
Redima Devi Chingkhamayum, Baskey, Silky and Alva repeatedly exploited the width, creating openings with through balls for the forwards. Anushka and Nira capitalised on the opportunities with clinical finishing, while India’s defence faced little pressure.
Anushka scored her fourth goal shortly after the restart before Pritika made it 9-0. Play was interrupted after 64 minutes because of inclement weather, with the match resuming after a 30-minute stoppage.
India adapted better to the wet conditions after the restart. Basnett headed in from Ritu Badaik’s corner before Anushka completed her five-goal haul. Joya then tapped into an empty net after Pritika rounded the goalkeeper, while Basnett headed her second to establish the new record. Alva completed the 14-0 scoreline with a late header.
India will face Syria on October 8 at 1 p.m. IST before taking on hosts Malaysia on October 11 at 6:30 p.m. IST in Group E. Only the group winners will qualify for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027.
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