The Indian women’s football team delivered a commanding performance in their third AFC Asian Cup Qualifying match, thrashing Iraq 5-0 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. With this emphatic win, India remains unbeaten and firmly atop Group B, setting up a high-stakes clash against Thailand for a direct spot in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup finals.
A Statement Win in Group B
India’s dominance was clear from the opening whistle. The Blue Tigresses controlled possession, pressed high, and showcased impressive attacking variety. Five different players found the net, underlining the squad’s depth and confidence.
First Half: Early Lead and Steady Pressure
14th minute: Sangita Basfore opened the scoring, capitalizing on a goalkeeping error after a corner, giving India a crucial early advantage.
44th minute: Manisha Kalyan doubled the lead just before halftime with a low shot from the edge of the box that slipped through the Iraqi keeper’s grasp.
India entered the break with a comfortable 2-0 cushion, having kept Iraq on the back foot throughout the half.
Second Half: Long-Range Brilliance and Clinical Finishing
47th minute: Karthika Angamuthu produced the highlight of the match, launching a spectacular 25-yard strike that soared over the substitute Iraqi goalkeeper and into the net.
64th minute: Nirmala Devi continued the long-range masterclass, firing a powerful shot from outside the box to make it 4-0.
80th minute: Substitute Ratanbala Devi capped off the scoring, reacting quickly to slot home a rebound after her initial effort was parried.
India’s relentless attack kept Iraq pinned in their own half, while the defense remained largely untroubled, ensuring a third consecutive clean sheet in the qualifiers.
Five Key Takeaways from India’s 5-0 Victory
- Five Different Scorers: Basfore, Kalyan, Angamuthu, Nirmala Devi, and Ratanbala Devi all found the net, highlighting India’s attacking depth.
- Long-Range Threat: Three of India’s five goals came from outside the box, showcasing confidence and technical quality.
- Unbeaten Streak: India has now won all three group matches, scoring 22 goals and conceding none.
- Defensive Solidity: The backline, anchored by Panthoi Chanu in goal, has yet to be breached in this qualifying campaign.
- Decisive Final Match Ahead: India faces Thailand next in what is effectively a group final, with the winner likely to secure direct qualification for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
What’s Next for the Blue Tigresses?
India will take on hosts Thailand on July 5th in a virtual knockout match to determine the group winner and secure a coveted place in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup finals. With momentum on their side and confidence running high, the Blue Tigresses are just one step away from their goal.
FAQs: India vs Iraq – Women’s AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers
Q1: Who scored for India in the 5-0 win over Iraq?
A: The goals came from Sangita Basfore, Manisha Kalyan, Karthika Angamuthu, Nirmala Devi, and Ratanbala Devi.
Q2: How many points does India have after three matches?
A: India has 9 points from three games, maintaining a perfect record in Group B.
Q3: Who will India face next in the qualifiers?
A: India will play Thailand in their final group match, which will likely decide the group winner and direct qualification.
Q4: Where was the India vs Iraq match played?
A: The match took place in Chiang Mai, Thailand, as part of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifying tournament.
Q5: How many goals has India scored in the qualifiers so far?
A: India has scored 22 goals in three matches, with 13 against Mongolia, 4 against Timor Leste, and 5 against Iraq.
India’s resounding 5-0 victory over Iraq not only cements their place at the top of Group B but also fuels hopes of a return to the continental stage. With one crucial match remaining, the Blue Tigresses are poised and ready to make history.
