How Did India U20 Women’s Team Outperform Turkmenistan 7-0?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India U20 women's team showcases exceptional talent.
- Strong teamwork led to a dominant 7-0 victory.
- Shubhangi Singh and Sulanjana Raul were standout players.
- India now leads Group D with four points.
- Next match against Myanmar is crucial for qualification.
Yangon, Aug 8 (NationPress) The India U20 women’s national team dominated Turkmenistan with a score of 7-0 in their second Group D match of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026 Qualifiers, held at the Thuwunna Stadium in the capital of Myanmar on Friday. India established a commanding 5-0 lead at halftime.
This impressive result propelled the Young Tigresses to the top of Group D, earning four points with a remarkable goal difference of seven. The host nation, Myanmar, who played to a 2-2 draw against Indonesia earlier in the day, occupies the second position with the same points but a goal difference of five.
India’s captain, Shubhangi Singh (7’, 42’) and winger, Sulanjana Raul (38’, 90+4’) each netted two goals, while Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam (14’), Thoibisana Chanu Toijam (35’), and Pooja (65’) contributed one goal each.
After a lackluster draw against Indonesia in their opening match, India was eager to redeem themselves against Turkmenistan and started the game aggressively. A corner taken by Sulanjana in the seventh minute found Shubhangi, who converted the opportunity with ease.
Sibani quickly followed, doubling the score just seven minutes later. A cross from Neha was deflected by Turkmenistan’s goalkeeper, Elnura Maksyutova, allowing Pooja to intercept and set up Sibani for the goal.
India maintained pressure, with Thoibisana adding the third goal just before the half-hour mark, heading in another corner delivered by Sulanjana. The latter then scored her own goal moments later, slipping the ball past the keeper after receiving a clever pass from Remi Thokchom.
Shubhangi struck again, making it five goals for India just before halftime, but the Young Tigresses were determined to further increase their goal tally in the second half.
Despite Turkmenistan’s defensive adjustments, India managed to find the net twice more, with Pooja and substitute Deepika scoring from close range.
This victory places India at the top of the table, but they face a crucial challenge in their upcoming match against the hosts, Myanmar, on Sunday, August 10. A win in this match will secure the top position and a ticket to Thailand for the Young Tigresses. A draw, however, would require them to rely on Turkmenistan to earn at least a point against Indonesia in their final game on the same day.