India thrashes Iraq, starts AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers with record win

The India U-17 team’s biggest wins before this were the 12-0 verdicts over UAE (2014) and Sri Lanka (2018). | Photo Credit: AIFF Media

India began its AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers campaign on a rousing note, demolishing Iraq 14-0 in a record-breaking effort at the MP Selayang Stadium in Selayang, Malaysia, on Monday.

Anushka Kumari, Silky Devi Sorokhaibam, Thandamoni Baskey and Nira Chanu Longjam were India’s scorers in the first half, while Anushka added two more in the second and was adjudged as the Player of the Match.

Skipper and centre-back Abhista Basnett headed home two goals, while Joya and Alva Devi Senjam completed the record tally. The India U-17 team’s biggest wins before this were the 12-0 verdicts over UAE (2014) and Sri Lanka (2018).

The Young Tigresses dominated the proceedings to such an extent that Iraq had little or no clue as to what struck it before lightning and thunder did strike the area 64 minutes into the second half, resulting in a stoppage of half an hour.

After the match resumed, the Indians adapted well to the wet conditions, but the Iraqis struggled with it.

India will meet Syria next on October 8, before going up against host Malaysia on October 11 in Group E. Only the group winners will qualify for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027.