Suzhou, May 8: The Indian women’s football team secured a convincing 4-0 victory against Lebanon on Friday at the Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Center, keeping their hopes alive for a quarter-final spot in the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026.
With this win, India stands third in Group B, trailing behind Japan and Australia. However, the team’s progression to the quarter-finals hinges on the results from Group C. Both India and Lebanon needed a win to maintain their chances in the tournament.
Lebanon nearly took the lead in the fifth minute when captain Jia Frangieh sent a well-placed lob into the box for Yara Ghitani, but India’s goalkeeper Munni swiftly intervened to snatch the ball away.
According to AFC reports, India took the lead just two minutes later. Preetika Barman scored a stunning goal, leaving Zoya Bou Asaf behind and skillfully deceiving Yasmina Nassar before sending the ball over Lebanon’s goalkeeper Mary Jo Chebli into the net.
India came close to doubling their lead in the ninth minute, but Anushka Kumari’s attempt was thwarted by Nassar. In the 14th minute, Ghitani had a chance to equalize, but India’s captain Elizabeth Lakra denied her curling effort, while Chebli made two close saves against Preetika.
Despite the pressure, India maintained control of the ball and scored their second goal in the 36th minute. Alva Senjam outpaced Frangieh and calmly assisted Thambalkhong Manipuri, who secured a comfortable lead for India before halftime.
After the break, Lebanon increased their pace and came close to scoring in the 57th minute, but Munni thwarted Yasmin El Habal’s efforts. In the 72nd minute, Zoya netted India’s third goal, solidifying their victory. Preetika capped off the scoring in the 85th minute, sealing a 4-0 win against Lebanon.
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