India kept alive their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals of the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup by beating Lebanon 4-0 in their final Group B match at the Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Center in China on Friday.Prithika Burman scored twice in the 6th and 85th minutes while Alva Devi Sanjam and Joya also scored for India.
Prithika led the attack with two goals as India registered their first win in the tournament since 2005.The result strengthened India’s chances of reaching the quarter-finals as one of the two best third-placed teams. India are now close to qualifying for the knockout stage for the first time in 21 years.After the result, the Philippines will need to beat Chinese Taipei by 12 goals, while Chinese Taipei will need to win by 13 goals.India made one change from their previous match, with Anushka Kumari replacing Pearl Fernandes, and started the game on the offensive.Devyani Linda sent a long ball forward from the right-back, which Prietka controlled before slotting past Lebanon defender Joya Bou Assaf. Prithika then beat goalkeeper Mary Jo Chibli with a left-footed shot to give India the lead.India almost scored again when Anushka found space inside the box, but Mary saved.Prithika troubled Lebanon’s defense and almost scored her second goal in the 16th minute but her effort was again blocked by the goalkeeper.Radhima Devi Chungkhmeom fed the ball to Alva on the edge of the box, and the forward slotted past Giana Ferangia to give India a 2-0 lead at half-time.India continued to attack in the second half and kept Lebanon under pressure. The Young Tigresses controlled possession for long periods and created chances from the wings.Their third goal came through Juya, who received the ball from the left, outpaced two defenders and scored with a right-footed strike to make it 3-0.India completed the win when Prithika scored her second goal of the match. She ran into the penalty area from the right wing and slotted past Mary to make it 4-0.
