India Thrash Timor-Leste 4-0 In AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers

Last Updated:June 29, 2025, 18:24 IST

India beat Timor-Leste 4-0 in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers. Manisha Kalyan scored twice, with Anju Tamang and Lynda Kom Serto also netted one each.

Indian women’s football team beat Timor-Leste 4-0 in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers (AIFF)

The Indian women’s football team continued their impressive run in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers with a decisive 4-0 victory against Timor-Leste at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai on Sunday, June 29.

Winger Manisha Kalyan (12’, 80’) scored an outstanding brace, while Anju Tamang (58’) and Lynda Kom Serto (86’) added their names to the scoresheet in a one-sided match that saw India dominate throughout.

With this win, India now leads Group B with six points from two games, ahead of Iraq and Thailand, who are set to face each other later in the day. The top spot in the five-team group is still open, but India has made a strong case with their consecutive dominant performances.

Having come off a record-breaking 13-0 win over Mongolia in their opening match, India entered this game full of confidence.

From the outset, India continued their high-pressure game, creating opportunities with slick passing and energetic wing play. The first chance came as early as the sixth minute when Tamang latched onto a through ball, but Timor-Leste goalkeeper Gorette Da Costa did well to deny her at the near post.

The breakthrough came soon after in the 12th minute. A neat one-two between Manisha and Tamang unlocked the left side of Timor-Leste’s defence. Tamang released Manisha with a perfectly weighted pass, and she showcased blistering pace to beat her marker before cutting inside and firing a powerful left-footed shot into the net.

The early goal gave India firm control of the match. The Blue Tigresses dictated the tempo with ease, dominating possession and constantly probing for openings. Pyari Xaxa nearly made it 2-0 in the 17th minute, but her curling shot hit the woodwork. Moments later, Soumya Guguloth tested Da Costa again, who stood firm despite the relentless Indian pressure.

Timor-Leste offered very little in attack and chose to sit deep to absorb India’s threats. Their conservative approach did not disrupt India’s rhythm, and the first half ended with India in complete control, though with just one goal.

How India Dominated Timor-Leste

India resumed the second half with renewed intent. Their persistence paid off in the 58th minute when Sanju’s teasing cross from the left caused chaos in the Timor-Leste box. Goalkeeper Da Costa misjudged the flight, and Tamang capitalised, tapping in from close range to double India’s lead.

Manisha then produced a moment of brilliance in the 80th minute. Tamang, who had been involved in much of India’s attack, delivered a clever pass to the edge of the box. Manisha took one touch before blasting a thunderous shot past Da Costa to make it 3-0 and essentially secure the victory.

India’s fourth goal was a textbook example of fluid team play. In the 86th minute, substitutes Lynda Kom and Grace Dangmei combined beautifully in midfield to split the Timor-Leste defence. Grace drove into the box, drew defenders towards her, and unselfishly squared the ball to Lynda, who calmly slotted home with time and space.

The final whistle brought scenes of delight on the Indian bench, as the team registered another clean sheet and extended their goal tally to 17 in just two matches.

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...

Read More

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Location :

Chiang Mai

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