India Women Dominate Timor-Leste, Extend Winning Streak in Asian Cup Qualifiers

The Indian senior women's team showcased their prowess with a resounding 4-0 victory against Timor-Leste in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers on Sunday, June 29. This win cements their leading position in Group B.

The match saw Manisha Kalyan scoring a brilliant brace, while Anju Tamang and Lynda Kom Serto also contributed to the scoreline, ensuring a comfortable victory for the Blue Tigresses at the 700th Anniversary Stadium.

Manisha scored a brace to help India secure the win (Courtesy: AIFF)

Riding high on confidence after their record-breaking 13-0 triumph over Mongolia in their opening match, the Indian team exerted early pressure on Timor-Leste with fluid passing and effective wing play. Tamang had an early opportunity in the sixth minute, but Timor-Leste's goalkeeper, Gorette Da Costa, made a crucial save.

However, India's persistence paid off when a well-executed one-two play set up Manisha, who skillfully evaded her marker and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot, giving India a 1-0 lead. Pyari Xaxa almost extended the lead, but her shot struck the woodwork.

Timor-Leste struggled to cope with India's relentless pressure, and the score remained 1-0 at halftime. The Blue Tigresses returned to the field with renewed vigor and scored their second goal in the 58th minute, with Tamang capitalizing on a goalkeeper error.

Manisha then sealed the victory with a stunning strike in the 80th minute, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. The Blue Tigresses added the finishing touches in the 86th minute, as substitutes Lynda Kom and Grace Dangmei combined effectively. Grace drew the defenders before passing to Lynda, who calmly slotted the ball into the net.

This victory places India at the summit of Group B with six points from two matches, ahead of Iraq and Thailand.

Key Highlights:

• India continued their winning streak with a dominant performance against Timor-Leste.
• Manisha Kalyan scored two goals, adding to the team's impressive scoreline.
• Anju Tamang and Lynda Kom Serto also found the net, showcasing the team's depth.
• India now leads Group B with a perfect record of two wins in two matches.