How Did India Achieve Such a Commanding Victory in the Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers?

Chiang Mai (Thailand), June 29 (NationPress) The Indian senior women’s football team has maintained their impressive performance in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers with a dominant 4-0 victory over Timor-Leste at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai on Sunday.

Winger Manisha Kalyan (12’, 80’) netted two goals, while Anju Tamang (58’) and Lynda Kom Serto (86’) contributed to the scoreline in a match that showcased India’s complete control from the outset.

This victory places India at the top of Group B with six points from two matches, outpacing Iraq and Thailand, who are scheduled to compete later. The quest for the leading position in the five-team group is still open, but India has made a compelling case with successive commanding performances.

Following their record-setting 13-0 victory against Mongolia in their first match, India approached the game filled with confidence.

From the initial whistle, India continued their momentum, applying pressure high up the pitch while executing precise passing and dynamic wing play. The first opportunity arose in the sixth minute when Tamang seized a through ball, but Timor-Leste goalkeeper Gorette Da Costa made a crucial save at the near post.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 12th minute through a clever one-two between Manisha and Tamang, which exploited the left flank of Timor-Leste’s defense. Tamang delivered a well-placed pass that enabled Manisha to demonstrate her speed, cutting inside and unleashing a powerful left-footed shot that found the back of the net.

This early goal solidified India’s dominance. The Blue Tigresses dictated the pace effortlessly, maintaining possession and constantly searching for scoring opportunities. Pyari Xaxa almost doubled the score in the 17th minute, but her curling effort struck the woodwork. Shortly after, Soumya Guguloth tested Da Costa once more, who remained resolute amid the relentless Indian assault.

Timor-Leste struggled to mount any significant attacks, opting for a defensive strategy to counter India’s offensive threat. Their cautious approach failed to disrupt India’s flow, and the first half ended with India firmly in control, albeit with only one goal to their credit.

India returned for the second half with renewed vigor. Their persistence paid off in the 58th minute when Sanju delivered a dangerous cross from the left that caused confusion in the Timor-Leste box. Goalkeeper Da Costa misjudged the ball’s trajectory, allowing Tamang to capitalize and tap in from close range to extend India’s lead.

Manisha then displayed her brilliance in the 80th minute. Tamang, who had been pivotal in India’s attacking efforts, slipped a clever pass to the edge of the box. Manisha took a touch before launching a powerful shot past Da Costa, bringing the score to 3-0 and effectively securing the victory.

The fourth goal exemplified seamless team play. In the 86th minute, substitutes Lynda Kom and Grace Dangmei combined expertly in midfield to penetrate the Timor-Leste defense. Grace surged into the box, drawing defenders towards her, and selflessly passed to Lynda, who calmly slotted the ball home with ample time and space.

The final whistle ignited celebrations on the Indian bench, as the team not only claimed another clean sheet but also increased their goal tally to 17 in just two matches.