India’s women’s football team surged to the top of Group B in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers with a resounding 4-0 win over Timor Leste on Sunday at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The victory marked India’s second consecutive win in the group stage, boosting hopes of a long-awaited return to the continental tournament.
Manisha Kalyan led the charge with a dazzling brace, while Anju Tamang and Lynda Kom added their names to the scoresheet in a dominant display that left little doubt about India’s intent.
The Blue Tigresses struck early, asserting control from kickoff. In the 12th minute, a slick one-two between Manisha and Tamang sliced through Timor Leste’s left flank. Tamang’s weighted pass released Manisha, who burst past her marker and unleashed a fierce left-footed drive to open the scoring.
“I’m very happy because we got the three points. It’s good motivation for us to prepare for the next game,” said Manisha, who plies her trade with Greek top-flight club PAOK.
India extended its lead in the 58th minute when Sanju’s curling cross from the left sowed confusion in the Timor-Leste box. Goalkeeper Da Costa misjudged the delivery, and Tamang was quick to react, tapping in from close range.
Manisha returned to the spotlight in the 80th minute, sealing her brace with a moment of brilliance. A clever pass from Tamang found her near the edge of the area. With a deft touch to set herself, she launched a thunderous shot that flew past Da Costa, making it 3-0.
The final goal showcased India’s growing cohesion. In the 86th minute, substitutes Grace Dangmei and Lynda Kom linked up seamlessly. Grace drove into the penalty area, drawing defenders before laying the ball off to Kom, who finished with poise.
With six points from two matches, India now sits atop Group B, ahead of Iraq, which has four points from four matches. The top team from each group qualifies for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, set to be held in Australia next year.
India, an eight-time qualifier, last made it to the competition on merit in 2003. Their next fixtures—against Iraq on July 2 and hosts Thailand on July 5—will determine if the Blue Tigresses can script a historic return.
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