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As the final whistle blew, Pamela Conti was quickly enveloped by her players. The Young Tigresses rushed to their head coach, showering her with hugs and chants, even attempting to lift her in celebration after India made history by advancing to the quarter-finals of the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup for the first time.

In that emotional moment, tears welled up in the Italian coach's eyes, reflecting the culmination of months of hard work and dedication. The 4-0 triumph over Lebanon was not merely about securing three points; it marked a significant achievement for a team that had trained intensively for over three months, often practicing twice daily.

A Step Closer to World Cup Qualification

This victory positioned India among the top eight teams in Asia and brought the Young Tigresses within one match of qualifying for the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup in Morocco 2026. No Indian women's team has ever been so close to qualifying for a FIFA World Cup based on merit.

"This is an incredible achievement," Conti expressed to a media outlet following the historic win. "Nobody thought it was possible, but I believed from the start that with the right training, we could accomplish this. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for these players who have consistently followed our guidance since day one."

Dominant Performance Against Lebanon

India's qualification was secured through a commanding display against Lebanon, where the Young Tigresses showcased confidence and clarity from the outset. Pritika Barman netted two goals, while Alva Devi Senjam and Joya contributed with additional goals in a dominant performance.

Conti praised her team's intent throughout the match, stating, "We played an incredible game. Honestly, a 4-0 scoreline is modest because we could have scored even more. What impressed me most was our desire to press high and continue seeking goals, along with our tactical organization. The primary goal was to qualify for the knockout stage, and I am extremely pleased with that outcome."

Months of Hard Work Pay Off

This achievement is a testament to the rigorous preparation under Conti, who took the helm in January and set high expectations from the beginning. "From day one, I emphasized the need for hard work. I know no other path to success than through dedication. No one complained or grew weary; we trained rigorously for nearly three and a half months, often twice a day, to reach this point," she remarked.

Upcoming Challenge Against China

After a 21-year hiatus from the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup, India entered the tournament and was placed in a challenging Group B alongside Australia, Japan, and Lebanon. Despite setbacks against the first two teams, the Young Tigresses made a strong comeback in their final group match.

"The most important thing for me is that we have brought joy to India, a country that welcomed me warmly from the start. Now we can proudly say we are among the top eight teams in Asia. If someone had told me this a few months ago, I would have found it hard to believe," Conti stated.

India is set to face hosts China in the quarter-finals on Monday, with a spot in the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup on the line. China topped Group A, scoring 15 goals without conceding any.

"China is a formidable team with many technically skilled players, and they have the advantage of home support," Conti acknowledged. However, she emphasized that India would approach the match with the same confidence that has characterized their campaign thus far. "We will strive for World Cup qualification, understanding the challenges ahead. I have always said we would compete with dignity, and that is precisely what this team is doing. We aim to make it difficult for them and hopefully secure the World Cup qualification we all desire."

Match Details

The quarter-final clash between India and China is scheduled to kick off at 17:00 IST on May 11.