India’s U-17 women’s football team created history by storming into the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup quarterfinals for the first time ever, following an emphatic 4-0 victory over Lebanon. The Young Tigresses delivered a commanding performance that ended their long wait for a knockout-stage appearance.
Striker Pritika Barman fulfilled a personal vow by scoring the opening goal, then added a second to complete a double. She had promised herself the night before that she would be the one to break the deadlock in the must-win group match. The 16-year-old from West Bengal said: “We have team meetings every night, and last night I had already made up my mind that I was going to score the first goal. And I did – it felt really good. After that, I thought I should score even more, and that is how I got the second.”
Alva Devi Senjam also found the net just before halftime, doubling India’s lead and setting the stage for a historic result. The 15-year-old winger admitted she struggled early but never lost belief. “I didn’t start very well in the first half an hour, had some mistouches, but I still believed I would score at least one goal today. That belief helped me find the net,” she said.
India needed a win to advance as one of the two best third-placed teams, and they responded with an inspired attacking display that brought their first goals in the tournament since 2005. The team’s determination was evident from the first whistle. “We had to win this match, so everyone gave their absolute best,” added Pritika.
Alva described her goal: “When Redima passed me the ball, my first thought was to pass it to Julan, but then I changed my mind and decided to dribble and go for the goal myself. The team’s plan was to keep taking shots, and I believed that if I kept trying, at least one would come.”
Emotional celebrations followed the final whistle as players and coaches embraced near the center circle. “We are very happy, and we will work even harder in the quarterfinal against China. We deserve to be here. I want to dedicate the goal to the head coach,” said Alva.
India now face hosts China in the quarterfinals, with a place in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on the line. The match is scheduled for May 11 at 5pm IST.
