Both teams head into the decisive clash with six points from two matches, having won both their opening fixtures without conceding a goal. Malaysia stand between India and a second successive appearance at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup as the Young Tigresses take on the hosts in a winner-takes-all final Group E qualifier on Sunday. Joakim Alexandersson’s side need only avoid defeat to seal qualification as group winners. A draw would leave the teams level on points and head-to-head record, but India’s superior goal difference would ensure they finish on top.
India, however, hold the edge with an impressive tally of 16 goals compared to Malaysia’s five.
A victory or draw on Sunday would open the door to another landmark achievement, making India the first Indian team to qualify for back-to-back AFC Women’s Asian Cups in any age category, including the senior level. India have put themselves in the driving seat with two contrasting victories. Anushka Kumari has been the driving force behind India’s goal rush, netting five times against Iraq before scoring both goals against Syria. “It feels very good to score seven goals, but it is not only about me. My teammates are creating the chances and giving me the passes, and I am trying to convert them. It is a team effort.
They began their campaign with a record-breaking 14-0 demolition of Iraq, the biggest-ever win by an Indian U17 women’s team, before negotiating a tougher test against Syria, whom they beat 2-0 on Thursday. Her seven strikes account for nearly half of India’s 16 goals in the qualifiers, but the forward was quick to underline the collective effort behind the team’s impressive run. We have all been working very hard, and I am very thankful to the team and to the coach for their support,” said the 15-year-old. India also have the advantage of experience, with 13 players from the previous U17 cycle that qualified for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026.
