India beats Timor Leste in AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, goes top of Group B

The Indian national team notched up consecutive wins in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers after beating Timor Leste 4-0 on Sunday at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium in Thailand.

Manisha Kalyan starred with a brace as Anju Tamang and Lyda Kom also got on the scoresheet.

“I’m very happy because we got the three points. It’s good motivation for us to prepare for the next game,” Manisha, who plays for Greek first division side PAOK, said after the match.

With this win, the Blue Tigresses temporarily go top of the Group B with six points from two matches, followed by Iraq who has four points from as many games.

India next plays Iraq on July 2 and Thailand on July 5.

Only the group winners at the end of the qualifiers make it to the tournament set to be held in Australia next year.

India has qualified for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup eight times. In 2022, it qualified by virtue of being the host. The last time the Blue Tigresses qualified for the continental event was back in 2003.