AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup - Qualifiers - Group G: Kyrgyz Republic 1-2 India

Bishkek: Julan Nongmaithem stole the show as India edged Kyrgyz Republic 2-1 in their AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ China 2026 Qualifiers Group G opener on Monday.

Nongmaithem struck the winner in the 90th minute as India laid an early marker on the group, which also includes Uzbekistan.

Kyrgyz Republic 1-2 India
India asked questions from the start with Anushka Kumari crashing her free-kick into the wall in the fourth minute before Nongmaithem sent a glancing header sailing over the bar off a corner 10 minutes later.

The goal finally arrived in the 26th minute after Pearl Fernandes collected a pass from Nongmaithem at the edge of the box and beat Kyrgyz Republic keeper Sezimbubu Midinova with a looping shot.

The Central Asian side clawed their way back into the tie in the 34th minute after India failed to clear Sumaiia Makhamatsalieva’s cross, with the rebound falling nicely for Akmaral Saiakbaeva who converted with a thumping finish.

The second half saw both sides toiling in front of goal and with the tie seemingly headed for a draw, India snatched a late winner with Nongmaithem volleying home Pritika Barman’s corner in the 90th minute.

Kyrgyz Republic will look to rebound with victory against Uzbekistan on Wednesday, with India to meet the Central Asian side two days later.

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