India extended its perfect run in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers with a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq on Wednesday, tightening its grip on the top spot in Group B. The emphatic win at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai took the Blue Tigresses to nine points from three matches, setting up a crucial group-deciding clash against hosts Thailand.
The result also sealed Iraq’s exit from the tournament alongside Mongolia and Timor-Leste, with all three sides now eliminated from qualification contention.
India opened the scoring through Sangita Basfore, who capitalised on a poorly cleared corner. After a curling delivery from Sanju caused confusion in the Iraq box, goalkeeper Alzebari failed to punch the ball clear, allowing Sangita to nod in from close range.
The second goal came just before half-time when Manisha Kalyan found space at the top of the box. Her low strike appeared tame but managed to slip through the Iraqi defence and under Alzebari, doubling India’s advantage and highlighting the goalkeeper’s struggles on the day.
Moments after the second half began, Karthika Angamuthu stole the spotlight with a spectacular long-range lob. Spotting Iraq’s substitute goalkeeper off her line, Karthika unleashed a 25-yard strike that dipped perfectly into the net, bringing her teammates to their feet in celebration.
India continued to pile on the pressure, and Nirmala Devi added the fourth goal in the 68th minute with another long-range effort. Receiving the ball in midfield, she advanced before unleashing a shot that flew past the keeper and into the back of the net.
The fifth and final blow came in the 80th minute through substitute Ratanbala Devi. After making a quick run into the box, her initial attempt was parried by Mahmood, but she stayed alert to slot home the rebound, sealing a dominant display for the Blue Tigresses.
With three wins from three, India now prepares for its most critical test in the group, a final qualifier against Thailand. The outcome of that match will determine who tops Group B and secures automatic qualification to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.
