India’s campaign at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026 ended with a 0-3 defeat to hosts China PR in the quarter-finals. The match took place at Suzhou Sports Centre Stadium on Monday, May 11, 2026, in front of a strong home crowd.
The loss ended India’s bid to qualify for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026. Despite the result, the Young Tigresses achieved their best performance in this competition, reaching the knockout stage for the first time in the team’s history.
Head coach Pamela Conti made one change from the win against Lebanon. Joya came into the starting eleven in place of Anushka Kumari. China began with high intensity and quick passing, while India stayed organised, with Abhista Basnett blocking Li Yaqi’s close-range shot in the fourth minute.
China Dominated With Possession
China controlled the ball and almost scored in the 15th minute. Liu Yuxi played a precise pass through the Indian defence to Wang Chenxi. The winger cut inside from the left and curled a shot that struck the crossbar, keeping the match goalless.
India’s rare chance against the run of play
India saw little possession but stayed disciplined in defence. Near the half-hour mark, they created a chance on the counter. Pritika Barman crossed into the box for Joya, whose effort was blocked before it could test the Chinese goalkeeper.
China’s pressure led to the opener in the 38th minute. A patient move through midfield ended with Liu Yuxi inside the area. She cut the ball back for Huang Qinyi, who scored from close range. China then won a stoppage-time penalty after Ritu Badaik fouled Liu.
Liu took the penalty herself and scored with a low right-footed shot into the bottom corner. Goalkeeper Munni dived the other way. The strike gave China a 2-0 advantage just before half-time and left India under heavy pressure heading into the break.
India’s Struggle To Break Chinese Defence
India tried to respond with more urgency after the restart. However, China’s defensive structure stayed tight and well-organised. The Young Tigresses could not find space behind the backline. They lacked the pace to trouble the Chinese defence regularly.
Munni’s Saves Could Not Win It For Blue Tigresses
China continued to create the clearer openings in the second half. Munni saved well from Wu Yichen’s powerful shot from distance in the 66th minute. She again reacted sharply in the 87th minute, stopping a long-range effort from substitute Cheng Wandi.
China scored their third goal in the final minute of normal time. Wu Yichen crossed from the left side. After a loose clearance in the box, Cheng Wandi’s effort bounced kindly for Li Qixian, who finished from close range to complete the 3-0 scoreline.
India’s Starting XI & Substitutions
India started with Munni in goal, and Elizabed Lakra, Divyani Linda, and Thandamoni Baskey in defence. Julan Nongmaithem, Ritu Badaik, and Pritika Barman played in midfield. The attack featured Redima Devi Chingkhamayum, Abhista Basnett, Alva Devi Senjam, and Joya.
Olivia Ningthoujam replaced Julan at half-time. Bonifilia Shullai and Anwita Raghuraman came on in the 65th minute for Thandamoni and Joya. In the 79th minute, Anushka Kumari entered for Pritika. Divyani Linda captained the side in this quarter-final match.
Story first published: Monday, May 11, 2026, 21:38 [IST]
About the Author
