India’s under-17 national football team’s historic FIFA football dream came to an end on Monday after a 0-3 defeat against the home team China under-17 football team in the quarter-finals of the AFC Women’s Under-17 Asian Cup. India battled hard for much of the match, but China’s quality and relentless pressure eventually proved too much in a game the hosts dominated from start to finish.
The Young Tigresses entered the quarter-finals knowing that a win would secure India’s first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification on merit. Instead, the defeat ended what had already been a memorable campaign India made it to the knockout stage of the tournament for the first time ever.
However, for 38 minutes, India managed to thwart one of the strongest youth sides in Asia.
Goalkeeper Basnett and defender Munni stood out during a disciplined defensive effort as China dominated possession and repeatedly pushed India deep into their own half.
But the breakthrough finally came in the 38th minute.
A sharp pass from the left completely opened up India’s defense before Huang Qinyi finished from close range to give China the lead.
Things got even tougher for India deep into first-half stoppage time when China won a penalty and Liu Yuxi calmly converted to make it 2-0 at the break.
HOW CHINA DROPPED INDIA IN THE QUARTERFINALS
The numbers from the match reflected China’s dominance throughout the competition.
The home side finished with nearly 75 percent possession and finished the match with 28 shots to India’s single attempt.
China barely allowed India on the ball and constantly forced the Young Tigresses to defend in their own final third.
Even after China took the lead, they continued to attack with intensity and never allowed India to settle into the game.
Li Qixian eventually added a late third goal in the 90th minute to seal China’s progress to the semi-finals.
India, meanwhile, found it difficult to create attacking opportunities as physicality, movement and pace from the hosts kept the defense stretched throughout the match.
INDIA’S WORLD CUP DREAM IS OVER BUT NOT THE PROMISE
While the defeat ended India’s hopes of reaching the FIFA Women’s Under-17 World Cup, the campaign itself still marked a big step forward.
India made history earlier in the tournament by reaching the knockout stage of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup for the first time ever after their commanding 4-0 win over Lebanon.
It was also the first time since 2004 that the Indian women’s side reached the knockout stages of the AFC tournament.
Players like Basnett and Munni showed a lot of promise during the tournament despite a tough quarter-final against one of Asia’s strongest teams.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
11 May 2026 20:13 IST
