India achieved plenty with a resounding 4-0 win against Lebanon in their final group-stage fixture of the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup but there was hardly any celebration at the Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre on Friday. The players exchanged customary high-fives, and hugs, while coach Pamela Conti shook hands with her brother and assistant Vincenzo on the technical bench.The subdued celebrations were understandable. India had displaced debutants Lebanon to take the third spot in the group, but they still had to wait for the outcome of the Group C clash between Chinese Taipei and Philippines to decide on the second best third-placed teams. It was only a few hours later that the tie ended goalless and India’s place in the quarterfinals was confirmed.This is India’s first win in the competition in 21 years, first knockout-stage appearance in any Asian Cup since the AFC U16 Championship in 2018. In women’s football, it is India’s first Asian Cup knockout stage appearance since the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship 2004, when the team also reached the quarterfinals.After losses against Australia and Japan, India finally tasted success with a commanding win against Lebanon. It was Pritika Barman who provided an early breakthrough and later completed her brace, while Alva Devi Senjam and Joya were also among the goals. The win marked India’s maiden qualification to the knockout stage at the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup.In the quarterfinals on Monday, India will face hosts China, who registered comfortable wins against Vietnam (3-0), Thailand (6-0) and Myanmar (6-0) in the group stage. A win in the quarter-final will secure qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco later this year.With both sides needing victory to keep their hopes alive, Lebanon almost found a way through in the fifth minute with captain Gia Frangieh sending a neat lob into the box for Yara Geitani but India goalkeeper Munni Bhambhu was quickly off her line to swoop the ball.Two minutes later, India had the lead as Pritika surged past two players on the right before lifting the ball over Lebanon goalkeeper Marie Joe Chebly into the top corner. With the lead in their pocket, the South Asian champions did not look back, scoring goals at regular intervals to thwart any attempt of a comeback.
