The India U17 women's football team moved firmly into pole position in Group E of the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers after a commanding 2-0 victory over Syria at the MP Selayang Stadium in Selayang, Malaysia on Thursday, 8 October 2026. The win takes India to six points from two matches, setting up a winner-takes-all decider against hosts Malaysia on 11 October.

Anushka Kumari Steals the Show Again

Striker Anushka Kumari was once again the match-winner, netting on either side of half-time to take her tally to seven goals in two qualifier matches. Her first, in just the sixth minute, was a stunning left-footed lob into the far top corner after latching onto a cleared free kick — her sixth goal of the campaign. Nine minutes into the second half, she calmly drilled a right-footed finish into the near post to seal the result, making it 2-0 and registering her seventh qualifier goal.

The opener was set up brilliantly: Syria defender Bayab Jomaa Ato brought down Silky Devi Sorokhaibam just outside the penalty area, and Redima Devi Chingkhamayum's chipped free kick was headed away — only for the clearance to fall perfectly for Anushka to pounce.

India's Dominance Was Total

Head coach Joakim Alexandersson named an unchanged starting XI from the one that demolished Iraq 14-0 in the opening fixture — a record-breaking result that had already announced India's intent in this campaign. Against Syria, India again controlled possession with a compact midfield, sharp distribution, and relentless pressing that left the Syrian defence with little respite.

Midfielder Redima Devi, Thandamoni Baskey, and Alva Devi Senjam were particularly effective in stretching the opposition, while captain Abhista Basnett went close with a header from a corner. Goalkeeper Munni was a virtual spectator for large spells, with Syria offering minimal threat going forward.

The match was briefly halted in the 58th minute due to an approaching thunderstorm — mirroring a similar stoppage in India's opener against Iraq — before resuming after a delay of nearly 30 minutes in continued rain under the Selayang floodlights.

What India Need to Qualify

Only the group winners advance to the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2027. India currently lead Group E on six points. Syria, who lost their opening match 0-1 to Malaysia, remain on zero points following Thursday's defeat. The outcome of the Malaysia vs Iraq fixture later the same day will shape the final standings going into India's decisive clash.

India will face Malaysia on 11 October at 18:30 IST at the same venue, with qualification for the 2027 continental tournament on the line. A win or, depending on results, a draw could be enough to send the young tigresses through.

Context and Significance

This campaign has showcased an India U17 women's side operating well above the regional average. The 14-0 demolition of Iraq was the most emphatic opening result in the team's recent qualifier history, and following it up with another clean sheet and controlled victory against Syria speaks to the depth of the squad and Alexandersson's tactical clarity. Anushka's form — seven goals in two games — has been particularly striking, combining clinical finishing with intelligent movement. The team's focus now shifts entirely to the Malaysia encounter, which promises to be a far sterner test on home turf for the hosts.