India Defeat Timor-Leste 4-0 to Stay Unbeaten in AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers

Image Credit: AIFF

India Clinch Second Straight Win with 4-0 Victory Over Timor-Leste in AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers

The Indian senior women’s football team produced another commanding performance in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, defeating Timor-Leste 4-0 at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai on Sunday, June 29, 2025. The win keeps the Blue Tigresses unbeaten and firmly at the top of Group B with six points from two matches.

Following their record 13-0 win over Mongolia in the opener, India carried forward their momentum and confidence, dominating possession and dictating the tempo from the outset.

Manisha Kalyan was once again at the heart of India’s attacking intent, scoring two superb goals — the opener in the 12th minute and a thunderous second in the 80th. The first goal came after a slick exchange with Anju Tamang, as Manisha beat her marker with pace and placed a powerful left-footed finish beyond the goalkeeper.

India created several more chances in the first half. Pyari Xaxa hit the woodwork and Soumya Guguloth forced a strong save from Timor-Leste’s Gorette Da Costa, but the first half ended 1-0 in India’s favour despite their dominance.

India returned for the second half with renewed purpose. The second goal arrived in the 58th minute, when a looping cross by Sanju was mishandled by Da Costa, allowing Anju Tamang to tap in from close range.

Manisha Kalyan made it 3-0 in the 80th minute, showing class and composure after receiving a clever pass from Tamang and smashing the ball past the keeper.

The final goal came in the 86th minute, courtesy of excellent combination play between substitutes Grace Dangmei and Lynda Kom Serto. Grace unselfishly squared the ball after drawing defenders, and Lynda calmly finished to seal a clinical win.

With back-to-back clean sheets and a total of 17 goals scored in two matches, India now sit comfortably at the top of Group B. Their all-round performance has made them early favourites to qualify for the final round of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.

Head coach Crispin Chettri and his staff will be pleased with both the team’s attacking flair and defensive discipline as they prepare for the remaining group fixtures.