India U17 Women Reach AFC Asian Cup Quarters for First Time

India's women's under-17 football team advanced to the quarterfinals of the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup for the first time in the tournament's history after a 4-0 victory over Lebanon on Friday at the Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre in Suzhou, China. The result, combined with outcomes in other groups, secured their place as one of the two best third-placed teams from the group stage.

Pritika Barman scored twice, in the seventh and 85th minutes, while Alva Devi Senjam added a goal in the 36th minute and Joya netted the third in the 72nd. India dominated possession and pressed high throughout, creating numerous chances. Barman's early strike came from a long ball by right-back Divyani Linda, which she controlled before beating the goalkeeper with a left-footed shot. Senjam doubled the lead just before halftime, surging past a defender to slot the ball home. Joya extended the advantage with a curling right-footed effort after beating two defenders on the left wing, and Barman completed her brace late to seal the win. Lebanon, who had drawn 1-1 with Australia earlier in the group, offered little resistance as India maintained defensive discipline without conceding.