India’s women’s football team took a significant step towards qualifying for the 2025 AFC Women’s Asia Cup after thrashing Iraq in their Group G qualifier match held at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh on Tuesday. The Blue Tigresses registered a resounding 7-0 victory, boosting their goal difference and confidence ahead of the final group fixture.
Match Summary
| Teams | Score |
|---|---|
| India | 7 |
| Iraq | 0 |
This emphatic win comes after India’s crucial 2-1 victory over Hong Kong earlier in the qualifiers, placing them firmly atop the Group G table with six points and a healthy goal difference, making their path to the continental tournament clearer.
Highlights of India’s Performance Against Iraq
- Hat-trick by Dangmei Grace: The Manipuri striker netted goals in the 8th, 27th, and 63rd minutes, tormenting the Iraqi defence with her pace and agility.
- Captain’s Leadership: Loitongbam Ashalata Devi marshalled the defence efficiently, ensuring a clean sheet while assisting in offensive set-pieces.
- Midfield Control: Indumathi Kathiresan dominated midfield transitions, creating two assists and scoring India’s fourth goal with a curling shot from outside the box in the 39th minute.
- Substitute Impact: Soumya Guguloth and Sandhiya Ranganathan scored in the second half, showcasing squad depth.
Group G Standings After Match
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Draw | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 6 |
| 2 | Hong Kong | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 3 | Iraq | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
(Compiled from AFC Women’s Asia Cup Qualifiers official match data)
Coach Maymol Rocky’s Reaction
Head coach Maymol Rocky expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, especially their attacking fluidity and defensive discipline:
“Today’s win was crucial not just for three points but for goal difference. Grace was brilliant upfront, our midfield maintained structure, and the defence didn’t concede unnecessary fouls. We will prepare with the same intensity for our final group match to ensure qualification.”
Road to the Women’s Asia Cup
India will qualify for the 2025 AFC Women’s Asia Cup if they win or draw their next match, securing top spot in Group G. This will mark India’s 12th appearance in Asia’s premier women’s football competition, where they last reached the quarterfinals in 2022 hosted on home soil.
India’s Asia Cup Qualifiers Journey So Far
| Date | Opponent | Result | Goal Scorers |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 30 | Hong Kong | 2-1 | Manisha Kalyan, Indumathi Kathiresan |
| July 2 | Iraq | 7-0 | Dangmei Grace (3), Indumathi Kathiresan, Soumya Guguloth, Sandhiya Ranganathan, own goal |
Player of the Match: Dangmei Grace
The Manipuri forward was unstoppable against Iraq, scoring a hat-trick and creating multiple scoring opportunities for her teammates. Speaking after the match, Grace said:
“I wanted to give my best to keep India ahead in qualification. We trained hard for finishing drills and executing the coach’s plan feels great. Our job is not done yet; we need to maintain focus for the final match.”
Upcoming Fixtures and Qualification Scenarios
India’s final group match will be against Hong Kong on July 6. The scenarios are:
- Win or Draw: India qualify for Asia Cup as Group G toppers.
- Loss by less than 3 goals: Qualification remains likely due to superior goal difference unless Hong Kong scores heavily.
- Loss by 3+ goals: Qualification chances will depend on goals scored comparison.
Importance of Asia Cup Qualification for Indian Women’s Football
India’s consistent participation in the Women’s Asia Cup is critical for:
- FIFA Ranking Improvement: Qualifying for continental tournaments ensures exposure to higher-ranked teams, improving India’s global standing.
- Player Development: Playing against Asian giants like Japan, Australia, and South Korea enhances tactical awareness and skill levels.
- 2027 World Cup Ambitions: The Asia Cup acts as a gateway for World Cup qualification slots.
Expert Opinions on India’s Performance
Football analysts lauded the team’s structured approach against Iraq. Former India women’s team coach Sajid Dar said:
“The team has developed technically and physically under Maymol Rocky. Their pressing intensity, positional play, and finishing have improved significantly compared to previous campaigns.”
Recent Asia Cup Performances
| Year | Host | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Vietnam | Group Stage |
| 2018 | Jordan | Group Stage |
| 2022 | India | Quarterfinal |
Focus Areas Before Final Group Match
While India’s attack has been clinical, coaches emphasised the need to:
- Improve defending set-pieces.
- Maintain discipline to avoid unnecessary yellow cards.
- Retain possession under high pressing teams like Hong Kong.
AIFF’s Preparations for Women’s Football Growth
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has initiated several programmes to boost women’s football, including:
- IWL Expansion: Increasing teams in the Indian Women’s League to improve domestic competition.
- Grassroots Development: Special focus on under-17 and under-20 women’s training camps in Goa, Odisha, and Manipur.
- Overseas Exposure Tours: Plans for training tours to Spain and Japan ahead of major tournaments.
Conclusion
India’s dominant performance against Iraq has brought them within touching distance of Asia Cup qualification. With one match remaining, the Blue Tigresses have momentum, squad depth, and tactical clarity to secure their place among Asia’s elite, further fuelling dreams of a historic FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification in coming years.
Disclaimer: This news content is based on official match reports from AFC, AIFF statements, and post-match player interviews. Readers are advised to follow AIFF’s official platforms for final squad announcements and fixture updates.
