The India women’s national under-17 football team moved a step closer to a historic AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup quarterfinal berth and a possible FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualification after thrashing the Lebanon women’s national under-17 football team 4-0 in their final group-stage match on Friday.

The emphatic victory kept India’s hopes alive in the knockout race and significantly strengthened their chances of progressing as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

Coming into the crucial encounter, the qualification equation for India was straightforward — secure a convincing victory against Lebanon and hope that the goal difference scenario in Group C worked in their favour.

Coach Pamela Conti saw her side deliver exactly that with a dominant all-round display.

Pritika Barman shines with brace

India produced their most attacking performance of the tournament, with Pritika Barman scoring twice, while Alva Devi Senjam and Joya added a goal each.

The Young Blue Tigresses looked significantly more confident and aggressive compared to their earlier matches against continental powerhouses Australia women’s national under-17 football team and Japan women’s national under-17 football team.

Against Lebanon, India played with greater attacking freedom, pressed higher up the pitch and controlled possession effectively for long periods.

The players, who had spent much of the previous matches defending deep against stronger opponents, displayed far greater composure and confidence while moving forward with the ball.

The commanding victory improved India’s goal difference to -1, placing them in a strong position compared to Group C teams Philippines women’s national under-17 football team (-13) and Chinese Taipei women’s national under-17 football team (-14).

India close to quarterfinal qualification

India’s qualification hopes now depend on the final Group C match between the Philippines and Chinese Taipei.

The Young Blue Tigresses are expected to qualify for the quarterfinals if neither side wins by a margin large enough to overturn India’s vastly superior goal difference.

Officials and analysts noted that India’s 4-0 victory against Lebanon dramatically improved the team’s standing among the third-placed sides competing for knockout qualification.

For a team participating in its first AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup in 21 years, reaching the quarterfinals would mark a major milestone in Indian women’s youth football.

If qualification is confirmed, India are expected to face the China women’s national under-17 football team in the quarterfinals on May 11.

FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup dream alive

The AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup also serves as the qualification pathway for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

Should India qualify for the quarterfinals, they would move one step closer to securing a place at the global tournament.

According to tournament rules, reaching the semifinals of the Asian Cup would guarantee qualification for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

That means a victory over China in a potential quarterfinal clash would secure India’s first-ever qualification for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup through merit.

Football observers described the current campaign as a significant sign of progress for Indian women’s football at youth level.

Over the past year, Indian women’s football across senior, under-20 and under-17 categories has shown visible improvement, with the U17 team now standing on the verge of creating history.

Young Blue Tigresses inspire optimism

The team’s performance against Lebanon has generated excitement and optimism among Indian football supporters, especially considering the challenges faced in the opening group-stage matches.

Despite defeats against stronger opponents earlier in the tournament, the players responded strongly under pressure and delivered when qualification hopes were at stake.

Analysts believe the team’s resilience, attacking intent and improved confidence reflect the positive development taking place within India’s women’s football structure.

For now, India await the outcome of the Group C fixture that will determine whether the Young Blue Tigresses officially advance to the quarterfinal stage.

Regardless of the final result, the team’s spirited campaign has already emerged as one of the most encouraging moments in Indian women’s youth football in recent years.