The Indian U17 women’s football team, dubbed the Young Tigresses, etched their name in history on October 17, 2025, by securing a maiden qualification for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory against Uzbekistan. The match, played at the JAR Stadium, saw India overturn an early deficit to top Group G with six points, earning a spot in next year’s continental tournament in China—their first appearance since 2005, when the event featured direct entry for 11 teams. Head coach Joakim Alexandersson’s tactical acumen, particularly his inspired first-half substitutions, proved pivotal, sparking a second-half surge that showcased the squad’s resilience and potential on the Asian stage.

The game began with Uzbekistan asserting dominance, leveraging their left flank to pressure India’s defence. Shakhzoda Alikhonova broke the deadlock in the 38th minute with a stunning volley from outside the box that clipped the crossbar’s underside, leaving India trailing and their qualification hopes in jeopardy. Despite creating early chances, including a long-range volley from Anushka Kumari comfortably saved by Uzbekistan’s goalkeeper Mariya Khalkulova, the Young Tigresses struggled with hurried passes and clearances. Alexandersson responded decisively, introducing Thandamoni Baskey for Bonifilia Shullai in the 40th minute, following an earlier swap of Valaina Fernandes for Taniya Devi Tonambam in the 21st. These changes shifted momentum, setting the stage for a dramatic turnaround.

Thandamoni proved the game-changer in the 55th minute, latching onto an aerial through ball, outmanoeuvring defender Mariya Dakhova, and slotting a composed finish at the near post to equalise. Her relentless energy carried forward, as she assisted Anushka Kumari in the 66th minute for the decisive goal, flipping the scoreline to 2-1. The substitute’s quick thinking and clinical execution underscored India’s depth and adaptability, qualities that have fuelled their rise under Alexandersson’s guidance since his appointment in 2024. The victory not only secured qualification but also highlighted the growing professionalism within Indian women’s football, following recent investments in grassroots academies and FIFA’s $1.2 million development grants to the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

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This milestone arrives as Indian football gains global traction, with the senior women’s team ranking 67th and youth programmes showing promise. The Young Tigresses’ triumph in Tashkent, a city hosting AFC qualifiers for the first time since 2019, reflects their readiness to compete against Asia’s elite, including powerhouses like Japan and South Korea. “This is a proud moment for Indian football,” AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey said, praising the team’s grit and the coaching staff’s strategic foresight. As preparations for China 2026 begin, the Young Tigresses aim to build on this achievement, potentially emulating the senior team’s 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup campaign, while inspiring a new generation of female footballers across India’s diverse sporting landscape.

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