Agencies
New Delhi
Anushka Kumari struck twice as India’s U-17 women’s team beat Syria 2-0 to make it two wins from two in Group E of the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers on Thursday.
Anushka, who scored five times in India’s 14-0 rout of Iraq in the opener, took her qualifying tally to seven goals with another commanding display.
India needed only six minutes to break the deadlock. Redima Devi Chingkhamayum’s free-kick was headed away by Syria defender Bayab Jomaa Ato, but the clearance fell to Anushka, who shifted left before curling a left-footed lob into the far
top corner.
India controlled the game through a compact midfield and quick passing, restricting Syria’s opportunities. Captain Abhista Basnett came close from a corner, while Julan Nongmaithem also tested goalkeeper Media Housain.
Anushka nearly doubled the lead before the break, but after Media failed to hold her effort, Syria captain Arin Assad cleared the follow-up off the line.
The second goal arrived nine minutes after half-time. After Syria failed to clear following Alva Devi Senjam’s effort, Anushka pounced on the loose ball and drilled a right-footed finish into the
near post.
Play was then halted in the 58th minute because of an approaching thunderstorm, with the match resuming after a delay of almost 30 minutes.
India continued to dominate after the restart and had chances to extend their lead. Anushka missed a golden opportunity for a hat-trick when she fired over from close range after Pritika Barman squared the ball across the box.
Syria defended deep in the closing stages, but India remained in control to secure a second
successive clean sheet.
The result leaves India on six points from two matches. They face hosts Malaysia on October 11 at 6.30pm IST in their final Group E fixture, with only the group winners advancing to the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian
Cup China 2027.
