Daijiworld Media Network – Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, Jun 24: The Blue Tigresses stormed into the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers with a record-breaking 13-0 demolition of Mongolia at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai on Monday, June 23. This emphatic win marks India's biggest-ever victory in the Asian Cup's final round and qualifiers, eclipsing their previous 10-0 triumphs over Guam in 1997 and 2005.
The Indian side, led by head coach Crispin Chettri, showcased sheer dominance from the first whistle, with midfielder Sangita Basfore opening the floodgates in the 8th minute, nodding in a pinpoint cross from Soumya Guguloth.
Soumya added to the tally with a thunderous volley in the 20th minute, before Pyari Xaxa took centre stage, firing five goals (29’, 45’, 46’, 52’, 55’) in a breathtaking display of clinical finishing.
India led 4-0 at half-time, but the second half turned into a scoring parade, as the Blue Tigresses shifted into top gear. Pyari’s sensational hat-trick came just one minute after the restart, volleying in a cross from Grace Dangmei. Two more strikes followed quickly, sealing her five-goal haul by the 55th minute.
Soumya (59’) added her second of the match, capitalizing on a Mongolian goalkeeping blunder. Substitutions brought fresh legs onto the pitch, with Malavika, Priyadharshini Selladurai, and Purnima Kumari making impactful appearances.
The scoreboard continued ticking as Rimpa Haldar (67’), Malavika (71’), Priyadharshini (73’, 86’) and a Grace Dangmei penalty (75’) contributed to the landslide.
India’s 13th and final goal came from Priyadharshini in the dying moments, putting the seal on what was a completely one-sided affair.
This resounding win puts India at the top of their group in the qualifiers, sending a strong message across the continent. The Blue Tigresses will now look to carry this momentum into their upcoming matches as they chase qualification for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026.
Top Scorers:
Pyari Xaxa – 5 goals
Soumya Guguloth – 2 goals
Priyadharshini Selladurai – 2 goals
Sangita Basfore, Rimpa Haldar, Malavika, Grace Dangmei – 1 goal each