Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Oct 16 (NationPress) The Indian U17 women's team is on the verge of making history, just one point away from earning their spot in the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup through qualification.

In their final Group G qualifying match at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek this Friday, India will face Uzbekistan. A draw in this match will ensure their entry into the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup scheduled for China in 2026. Fans can watch the match live on the Kyrgyz Sport TV YouTube Channel.

Captain Julan Nongmaithem expressed the significance of the match, stating, "This game is what we have been working for all these months." She notably scored a remarkable 90th-minute volley that led India to a 2-1 victory against Kyrgyz Republic in their opening match earlier this week.

Reflecting on their tough start, Julan said, "We were delighted to secure the win, which gave us a solid advantage heading into the last game." The emotional 14-year-old dedicated her goal to her late father who passed away last year, adding, "I know he's watching from heaven."

Kyrgyzstan made a comeback by defeating Uzbekistan 2-1 in their recent match, keeping India at the top of the three-team group due to a superior head-to-head record. A single point against Uzbekistan will allow India to secure their position at the top of the standings and confirm their ticket to China.

Despite some disappointment with the team's performance in the first match, head coach Joakim Alexandersson reassured that their confidence remains intact. "We struggled with our build-up phases, but in the second half, we effectively utilized the flanks for some good attacking opportunities," he stated.

After observing Uzbekistan's performance in their first game, Alexandersson commented on their potential as opponents, stating, "Kyrgyzstan were physically tougher, but Uzbekistan aimed to play more with the ball." He anticipates a challenging encounter in the final match, acknowledging that Uzbekistan would be eager to recover from their loss.

He emphasized, "We’ll aim for a win; playing for a draw is always risky. Everything is in our hands."

Just over two months ago, Alexandersson led the U20s to qualify for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup, ending a two-decade wait. Now, he stands on the brink of further success, with the last appearance of India in the AFC U17 Women's Championship dating back to 2005. Since the introduction of the qualification system, India has never come this close to joining Asia's elite teams.

Alexandersson recognizes the significant positive impact this achievement could have, not only for the U17 girls but for the development of women's football in India, especially following the senior team's historic qualification for the 2026 Asian Cup. "If the U17s can achieve this, it would greatly influence the future of women's football in India," he concluded, hoping to inspire more young girls to embrace the sport.